Koraput: Congress has questioned the Odisha govt’s silence over Andhra Pradesh’s move to conduct rural local body elections in the disputed Kotia villages and has demanded clarification on steps being taken to protect the state’s territorial interests.Koraput MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka questioned, “The BJP is in power in Odisha and at the Centre and is also part of the ruling alliance in Andhra Pradesh. Why is the Odisha govt silent when Andhra Pradesh is preparing to conduct elections in disputed Kotia villages? The govt must clarify its stand and explain the steps taken to protect Odisha’s interests.”Pottangi MLA Ram Chandra Kadam also demanded immediate intervention. “When the BJP is part of the govts in all three places, what prevents them from resolving the issue through dialogue? People of Kotia should not suffer because of political and administrative disputes.”The reaction follows Andhra Pradesh’s preparation to conduct rural local body elections in three phases on Nov 26, 29 and Dec 2. The move has brought the decades-old dispute over 21 of the 28 villages in Kotia panchayat under Pottangi block into focus again. However, polling dates for the disputed villages have not been specified.Jeypore MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati warned of an agitation if the state govt failed to act. “Kotia is an integral part of Odisha, and interference by Andhra Pradesh will not be tolerated. If the state govt remains silent, a mass agitation would be launched,” he said.A senior BJP functionary, Goutam Samantaray, said the govt was committed to protecting Odisha’s territorial integrity. The issue is sensitive and has a long history. The govt is monitoring developments and will take appropriate steps to protect Odisha’s interests. The dispute should be resolved through administrative and diplomatic channels rather than being politicised, he said.Located along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border, Kotia has remained disputed for decades. Odisha maintains that all 28 villages belong to Koraput district, while Andhra Pradesh claims 21 villages and extends administrative services to residents.The dispute reached Supreme Court in 1968, when it directed both states to maintain status quo. Tensions escalated in Feb 2021 when Andhra Pradesh held panchayat elections in disputed villages, prompting Odisha to approach the apex court, alleging violation of the status quo arrangement.
