Kotia Panchayat Election Row: Setback for Andhra Pradesh as Administration Fails to Set Up Polling Booths in 3 Villages

Advertisement

Jeypore: The long-standing territorial dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh over Kotia has intensified once again, with the Andhra Pradesh administration reportedly failing to establish polling booths in three villages of the disputed region for its panchayat elections.

The Koraput district administration has stepped up its efforts on the ground to prevent Andhra Pradesh from conducting elections in the disputed villages. Political leaders, ministers, senior administrative officials and police personnel have been stationed in Kotia to monitor the situation.

According to reports, tensions escalated on Wednesday as officials and police personnel from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh came face-to-face near Neridibalsa, a village along the interstate border.

The Parvathipuram district Collector and police officials from Andhra Pradesh reportedly confronted the Odisha administration during an attempt to make arrangements for the panchayat elections. However, following a day-long standoff, the Andhra Pradesh officials were forced to retreat and return to their state.

Consequently, the Andhra Pradesh administration failed to set up polling booths in all three villages of Kotia where it had planned to conduct the elections.

Advertisement

Meanwhile, political leaders from different parties remained stationed in Kotia throughout the night to safeguard Odisha’s interests. Following the reported setback to Andhra Pradesh’s efforts, several people expressed their happiness by performing the traditional Dhemsa dance.

Police personnel and administrative officials also maintained an overnight vigil in the disputed region to prevent further attempts to establish polling booths.

Watch the video here:

Also read: Bhubaneswar: Man shot dead during clash between two groups, accused arrested

Advertisement