Who Controls Kotia’s 28 Villages? Panchayat Polls Trigger Fresh Odisha-Andhra Pradesh Dispute

A fresh dispute has emerged between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh over the 28 villages in the Kotia region, with tensions escalating ahead of panchayat elections. The announcement of local body polls by Andhra Pradesh has intensified the long-standing disagreement over administrative control of the area.

The dispute has once again brought the region into the political spotlight, with leaders and officials from both states closely monitoring developments.

Andhra Pradesh Announces Local Body Elections

Tensions increased after Andhra Pradesh announced elections for Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTC) and Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTC) in the disputed Kotia region.

The move has drawn strong opposition from Odisha, which maintains its claim over the villages. The election announcement has raised fresh questions about administrative authority and the conduct of local governance in the area.

Odisha Opposes Andhra Pradesh's Move

Odisha's Revenue Minister stated that the state would take steps to prevent Andhra Pradesh officials from entering the disputed region.

The statement reflects Odisha's opposition to the election process being conducted by Andhra Pradesh in the 28 villages.

The dispute has also led to heightened activity on the ground, with officials and political representatives from both sides keeping a close watch on the situation.

Allegations of Attempts to Remove Barricades

Tensions reportedly escalated after allegations emerged that campaign vehicles and police vehicles from Andhra Pradesh attempted to enter the area and remove barricades.

These allegations have added to the already strained situation. However, the claims have not been independently established in the information available, and the response from Andhra Pradesh was not included in the details provided.

Political Leaders Reach the Disputed Region

The developments have attracted attention from several political parties. Leaders from the BJP, BJD and Congress have reportedly reached the region and remained there until late Wednesday.

Their presence reflects the political significance of the dispute, particularly as the local body election process approaches.

A Long-Standing Dispute Over 28 Villages

The Kotia region has remained at the centre of a territorial and administrative disagreement between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Both states have maintained competing claims over the villages, making local governance and elections sensitive issues.

The latest developments have once again highlighted the challenges surrounding administrative control and political activity in the disputed area.

With Andhra Pradesh announcing local body elections and Odisha opposing the move, the situation remains tense. The next developments will be closely watched as both states continue to assert their respective positions over Kotia's 28 villages.