Kotია Villages Dispute Intensifies as Andhra Pradesh Announces Local Body Elections

The dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Odisha over the Kotia villages has intensified after the Parvathipuram Manyam district administration issued a notification to conduct local body elections by declaring three separate panchayats in the region. Polling is scheduled for November 3, with counting set for November 5, while the nomination process is due to begin on October 23. The move has triggered opposition from Odisha officials and political representatives, who are preparing to challenge the notification. The dispute concerns 21 villages claimed by both states in the Kotia region, which falls between Odisha’s Pottangi block in Koraput district and Salur mandal in Andhra Pradesh’s Parvathipuram Manyam district. Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari held a high-level review meeting with the state’s Advocate General, the Southern Revenue Commissioner and the Koraput Collector. He said Odisha was prepared to approach the Supreme Court again, alleging that Andhra Pradesh’s actions violated an earlier status quo order. Odisha has also deployed special police and revenue officials to monitor the situation, while Koraput Sub-Collector and nodal officer Fabi Rashid has been visiting the disputed villages.

Political Tensions and Legal Proceedings

The issue has sparked political reactions across Odisha. Former Chief Minister and opposition leader Naveen Patnaik wrote to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, questioning the state government’s response to the developments. Minister Suresh Pujari countered that years of alleged neglect by the previous BJD government had contributed to the situation. Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Charan Das and Koraput Congress MP Saptagiri Ulaka have also opposed the election notification and called for immediate government intervention. Former Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urged all political parties to work together beyond party lines. Odisha first approached the Supreme Court in October 1968 over the territorial dispute, and the case remains pending. According to the report, the court heard arguments on August 31, 2026, and granted the respondent’s counsel two weeks to submit written arguments. Fabi Rashid said Odisha would approach the Supreme Court over Andhra Pradesh’s notification for panchayat elections in the disputed villages. Meanwhile, political parties in Koraput district are reportedly considering joint efforts to oppose the polls.