Koraput: The long-standing Odisha-Andhra Pradesh dispute over Kotia has flared up again, with Andhra Pradesh reportedly gearing up to hold panchayat elections in the contested region on November 3, triggering fresh political concerns in Odisha.

Election preparations have reportedly begun in several villages of Kotia, with campaigning and publicity activities underway ahead of the proposed polls. The development has once again brought the sensitive border issue into focus.

The latest move has heated up the political atmosphere in Koraput district, with demands growing for the Odisha government to strengthen its administrative presence in Kotia and take immediate steps to safeguard the interests of residents.

Pottangi MLA Ramachandra Kadam has questioned the state government’s alleged inaction, asking why the administration has not taken adequate measures despite Andhra Pradesh’s reported election preparations. He has urged the government to intervene without delay and take steps to protect Odisha’s interests in the disputed area.

The developments have also triggered discussions among residents of Kotia, where the territorial dispute has remained a contentious issue for years. Andhra Pradesh’s repeated efforts to conduct elections in the area have added another dimension to the dispute, with both states seeking to maintain their influence in the border region.

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Kotia, located in Koraput district, has long been at the centre of a territorial and administrative dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The issue has periodically resurfaced through competing administrative initiatives and election-related activities, making the region a politically sensitive subject for both states.

The latest preparations for the November 3 polls have renewed calls for Odisha to intensify its administrative engagement with the villages and ensure that residents continue to receive public services and government benefits without disruption.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh issued election notifications on October 14 for various municipal corporations, municipalities and nagar panchayats across the state. However, the reported November 3 panchayat poll preparations in Kotia remain the immediate focus of concern in Odisha.