Bhubaneswar, November 3: Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Tuesday accused Andhra Pradesh of creating a “constitutional crisis” in the disputed Kotia region by proceeding with panchayat elections despite a Supreme Court directive to maintain the status quo.

His remarks came amid rising tensions following a face-off between police personnel of the two states at Neradivalsa village. Odisha police prevented an Andhra Pradesh team from entering the disputed area.

Koraput SP Rohit Verma said 16 platoons of police had been deployed in Kotia to maintain law and order ahead of the November 5 panchayat elections in Andhra Pradesh. Three checkpoints have also been set up.

Pujari said Odisha was exploring further legal options, while reiterating that the state would oppose Andhra Pradesh’s administrative activities in the disputed territory. Odisha had filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court on October 23.

The dispute involves 28 villages under Kotia gram panchayat in Koraput district, with Andhra Pradesh claiming 21 of them. Political leaders across party lines and various social organisations have supported Odisha’s stand.