Patnaik slams Odisha govt silence on Andhra's Kotia poll move

Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday questioned the state government's apparent inaction regarding Andhra Pradesh's recent poll notification covering 21 of the 28 villages in Kotia Gram Panchayat, which remain contested between the two states.

The Kotia dispute has persisted for decades, with both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh asserting territorial claims over the villages. The issue gained fresh prominence following Andhra Pradesh's electoral notification, which Patnaik suggested should have prompted an immediate response from the Odisha administration.

Patnaik's remarks highlight the longstanding border tensions between Odisha and its neighbouring state. The disputed territories have periodically emerged as flashpoints, with both governments claiming administrative jurisdiction over the contested panchayat.

The matter remains unresolved despite multiple rounds of inter-state discussions. Legal experts note that such boundary disputes often require intervention from higher constitutional authorities to determine rightful jurisdiction and administrative control over the villages.

The issue assumes significance as electoral processes in the region necessitate clarity on territorial boundaries and voting jurisdiction, raising concerns about the need for a definitive resolution of the boundary question between the two states.