States » EastPosted at: Nov 5 2026 6:42PM


Amid border row, Odisha’s Kotia voters participate in Andhra panchayat elections

Bhubaneswar, Nov 5 (UNI) Amid heightened tension and heavy police deployment along the disputed Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border, residents of Odisha’s Kotia cluster of villages in Koraput district voted in Andhra Pradesh’s three-tier panchayat elections on Thursday, after polling booths were shifted away from the disputed territory following objections by the Odisha administration.
The polling had triggered a fresh face-off between the two States, with Koraput authorities opposing Andhra Pradesh’s move to set up a booth at Neredivalsa, arguing that the village fell within Odisha’s territorial jurisdiction. Andhra authorities subsequently relocated the polling stations to their side of the border.
Police personnel from both States were deployed along the contentious stretch to prevent any untoward incident.Koraput district officials said the administration has not stopped anyone from voting, as exercising the franchise is a constitutional right. However, they maintained that voters must participate voluntarily and not under any coercion.
With around 4,500 voters in the Kotia region, officials said it was difficult to ascertain how many had participated in the Andhra polls. Some residents, however, exercised their franchise, they added, while reporting no untoward incident.
The territorial dispute involving 21 villages in the Kotia cluster dates back to 1955, following the formation of Andhra Pradesh in 1953. Odisha approached the Supreme Court in 1968 to assert its claim over the territory. In 2006, the apex court ordered maintenance of status quo and called for an amicable settlement through an appropriate authority in accordance with law.
The dispute resurfaced in 2021 when Andhra Pradesh notified panchayat elections in the contested villages, prompting Odisha to move the Supreme Court with a contempt petition alleging violation of the status quo order. Odisha approached the apex court again in 2023 seeking adjudication. On October 23, 2026, it filed another contempt petition after Andhra Pradesh issued a fresh election notification for the disputed pockets.
Despite the prolonged territorial contest, residents of Kotia continue to receive development and welfare benefits from both States, including social security assistance and improvements in road and educational infrastructure.UNI MK AAB
Tags: #Amid border row# Odisha’s Kotia voters participate in Andhra panchayat elections
More News

Ripnar Lyngdoh sworn in as Meghalaya CIC

05 Nov 2026 | 7:42 PM

Shillong, Nov 5 (UNI) Retired IAS officer Ripnar Lyngdoh was sworn in as the new Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of Meghalaya on Thursday.

see more..

Odisha: SUM Hospital saves 1 47-kg premature baby after removal of diseased lung

05 Nov 2026 | 7:26 PM

Bhubaneswar, Nov 5 (UNI) Doctors at SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, have saved a premature baby girl weighing just 1,476 grams after surgically removing her left lung affected by a congenital abnormality.

see more..

Jharkhand: Hemant Soren stresses constitutional recognition of tribal identity, rights

05 Nov 2026 | 7:17 PM

Giridih, Nov 5 (UNI) Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren today said the distinct social and cultural rights of tribal communities were recognised by the Indian Constitution and stressed the need to preserve their identity, traditions and heritage.

see more..

Bihar: Jan Suraaj seeks termination of membership of 2 independent MLCs, submits petition to Council Chairman

05 Nov 2026 | 7:08 PM

Patna, Nov 5 (UNI) Jan Suraaj today sought termination of the membership of independent MLCs Banshidhar Brijwasi and Rahul Raj in the Bihar Legislative Council, alleging violation of democratic principles and betrayal of voters.

see more..

Odisha seeks Rs 2,526 Crore central Aid for Cyclone Arnab, flood damage; asks for Rs 10,000 crore for resilient infrastructure

05 Nov 2026 | 7:04 PM

Bhubaneswar, Nov 5 (UNI) The Odisha government has sought central financial assistance of Rs.2,526 crore to address extensive damage caused by Cyclone Arnab and subsequent floods in the state's southern districts, particularly Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal.

see more..