Bhubaneswar, Nov 11 (UDN): The long-standing territorial dispute over Kotia has resurfaced after an Odisha-based activist approached the Centre for the fourth time, seeking intervention against Andhra Pradesh’s proposed panchayat elections in the disputed region.
Senior advocate and human rights activist Anup Kumar Patra has urged the Union Government to intervene, alleging that Andhra Pradesh’s decision to conduct local body elections in Kotia violates the status quo order of the Supreme Court.
Patra has strongly objected to the proposed electoral exercise, arguing that holding elections in the disputed territory could undermine the existing legal position and further complicate the inter-state boundary dispute.
Speaking about his latest move, Patra said he had submitted a memorandum to the President of India on October 20, seeking intervention in the matter. The representation was subsequently forwarded to the Union Home Secretary on October 26.
He said four appeal letters had been submitted to the concerned authorities so far to ensure that the issue received urgent attention and appropriate action was taken.
Patra also stated that copies of his representations had been sent to several authorities, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commissioner.
Andhra Pradesh Announces Election Schedule
According to the reported schedule, Andhra Pradesh has proposed to conduct elections in the Kotia cluster of villages on November 26, November 28 and December 2.
The proposed polls have triggered fresh objections from Odisha, with concerns being raised over the constitutional and legal implications of conducting elections in an area that remains at the centre of a long-running territorial dispute between the two neighbouring states.
Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission has reportedly taken cognisance of the complaint and directed the Parvathipuram Manyam District Collector to examine the allegations and submit a report by November 12.
Long-Standing Kotia Dispute
Kotia, located in Odisha’s Koraput district along the Andhra Pradesh border, has remained a contentious issue between the two states for decades. Both states have made administrative and developmental interventions in the region, leading to periodic tensions over jurisdiction and governance.
The latest development has once again brought the dispute into focus, with attention now turning to the response of the Union Government and the Andhra Pradesh authorities.
Whether the proposed elections will proceed as scheduled or be reconsidered following the complaint remains to be seen.