Kotia Dispute / Human rights activist urges Centre to halt Andhra Panchayat Polls in Odisha’s Kotia

Bhubaneswar, Oct 31: A human rights activist from Odisha has submitted an urgent representation to the Union Home Ministry seeking immediate intervention against the conduct of Panchayat elections by the Andhra Pradesh government in areas claimed by Odisha along the inter-State border. The appeal alleges that local body elections scheduled for November 5, 2026, are being conducted in historically disputed tribal regions falling within Odisha's jurisdiction.

The memorandum, addressed to Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, was submitted by Advocate Anup Kumar Patro, who described the issue as one requiring urgent constitutional and administrative attention. The representation cites a petition earlier forwarded by the President's Secretariat and seeks immediate measures to prevent alleged administrative encroachment in border areas.

Border Concerns 

According to the memorandum, concerns have been raised regarding election-related activities in the Kotia region of Koraput district, the Jhumdang area of Malkangiri district and villages under Gangabad Panchayat in Gajapati district. The petitioner alleged that Andhra Pradesh authorities and political representatives are carrying out election campaigns in these areas ahead of the proposed polls.

The representation further contends that many residents possess dual voter credentials, creating what it describes as vulnerabilities in the electoral process. It also refers to alleged parallel administrative activities and welfare outreach programmes in certain border villages.

 Also Read: CM Mohan Majhi Writes to Naveen Patnaik, Reaffirms Odisha's Claim Over Kotia Villages

Appeal to Centre 

The petitioner urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to issue an advisory to halt election-related activities in the disputed areas until the boundary issue is resolved. Other requests include deployment of central observers or paramilitary personnel in sensitive villages, restoration of administrative infrastructure and convening a high-level dialogue between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh under the Union government's supervision.

The memorandum also referred to the ongoing boundary dispute and sought adherence to what it described as status quo arrangements pending final judicial determination. The appeal underscored the significance of the tribal-dominated regions covered under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution.

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