Koraput: The decades-old territorial dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh over 21 of the 28 villages in Kotia panchayat under Pottangi block of Koraput district is back in focus, with the neighbouring state preparing to conduct panchayat elections in three phases, beginning Nov 26.According to the election schedule announced by the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (APSEC), polling will be held on Nov 26, 29 and Dec 2. The electoral exercise is expected to cover areas under Parvathipuram Manyam district, which includes villages claimed by both states. However, polling dates for the disputed Kotia villages have not been specified.The development has raised concerns over the possibility of fresh confrontation between the two states, as Andhra Pradesh’s previous attempts to conduct elections in the disputed villages had drawn strong objections from Odisha.“The Andhra Pradesh govt has announced rural polls on three dates in Nov and Dec, but the polling date for the disputed Kotia villages has not been declared. We are closely monitoring the developments and necessary action will be taken,” Pottangi tehsildar DBS Dharua said.Nestled in the hills along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border, Kotia has remained a bone of contention between the two states for decades. While Odisha maintains that all 28 villages are part of Koraput district, Andhra Pradesh lays claim to 21 of them, identifying several settlements by different names and extending administrative services to residents.
