Kotia border dispute intensifies between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

Tensions have escalated in the Kotia region, a disputed border area between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The friction follows reports that Andhra Pradesh authorities are preparing to conduct local body elections, including Samiti and Zilla Parishad polls, across three revenue villages within the Kotia gram panchayat that Odisha claims.

A 16-member delegation from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) visited the area to assess the ground situation and protest the electoral activities. During the visit, BJD members confronted workers from the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and raised slogans against Andhra Pradesh's presence. Some local residents expressed a preference for the welfare support provided by Andhra Pradesh officials over the development offered by Odisha.

In response to the growing unrest, Odisha's Revenue Minister stated the state is committed to resolving the dispute through legal and administrative channels. Meanwhile, BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan has called for political parties in Odisha to unite across party lines to protect the state's territorial integrity and sovereignty regarding the Kotia region.