Koraput advocate Anup Kumar Patro urges Centre to intervene over Kotia dispute, objects to Andhra minister's remarks

Bhubaneswar, Nov 5: Advocate and human rights activist Anup Kumar Patro has urged the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to intervene in the ongoing Kotia territorial dispute, alleging constitutional violations by Andhra Pradesh and seeking action over public remarks made by the state's Tribal Welfare Minister, Gummadi Sandhya Rani.

In an urgent representation dated November 5, Patro called for immediate intervention by the Centre, alleging that Andhra Pradesh had deployed administrative machinery and undertaken electoral activities in the Kotia Scheduled Area, which he maintains falls within Odisha's territorial and administrative jurisdiction.

Addressed to the Union Home Secretary, the representation is described as Patro's third appeal following earlier petitions dated October 21, October 31 and November 3, 2026. He stated that the matter had also been forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs by the President's Secretariat on October 27.

Patro objects to Andhra minister's statements
A key focus of the representation is Patro's objection to remarks allegedly made by Andhra Pradesh Tribal Welfare Minister Gummadi Sandhya Rani. He accused the minister of making misleading statements by alleging that Odisha authorities were intimidating tribal residents, suppressing voters and creating an atmosphere of fear in Kotia.

Also Read: Kotia United as Odisha Foils Andhra Pradesh Poll Bid in Border Villages

Patro termed the remarks factually unfounded and argued that they misrepresented Odisha's administrative measures in the disputed area. He maintained that the steps taken by the Koraput district administration, including the imposition of prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, were intended to maintain public order and prevent border tensions.

He also referred to a confrontation at the Neredivalasa check post on November 3, alleging that Andhra Pradesh administrative and police personnel had attempted to breach Odisha's security arrangements.

Raises objections to Andhra Pradesh's electoral activities
In the representation, Patro alleged that Andhra Pradesh had undertaken preparations and campaign-related activities for local panchayat elections in the Kotia cluster on November 5, despite the status quo directions of the Supreme Court in the inter-state dispute.

Citing the Supreme Court proceedings in State of Orissa v. State of Andhra Pradesh (Original Suit No. 10A of 1968), he argued that unilateral electoral exercises in the disputed area amounted to an attempt to alter the existing administrative status quo.

Patro further maintained that the Kotia Gram Panchayat forms part of the Fifth Schedule area under Pottangi Tahsil in Koraput district and is administered by Odisha.

To support his position, he pointed to schools, Anganwadi centres, roads, healthcare facilities, rural electrification networks and other public infrastructure in the 28 villages, which he claimed had been developed and maintained by the Odisha government.

He also alleged that Andhra Pradesh had attempted to distribute parallel Public Distribution System commodities and establish makeshift polling booths inside religious structures.

Seeks intervention under Article 355
Patro has urged the Union Home Ministry to take three steps: ensure that the Andhra Pradesh government and its executive machinery desist from making what he described as unverified and provocative statements; ensure strict adherence to the Supreme Court's status quo directions; and intervene under Article 355 of the Constitution to protect Odisha's territorial integrity.

He also questioned the response of the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission, referring to its letter dated November 3, 2026, which sought a factual report from the Parvathipuram Manyam district collector. Patro argued that the commission should have taken immediate steps regarding the proposed polling activities in the disputed territory.

The advocate further claimed that polling teams deployed by Andhra Pradesh had retreated on November 4 following opposition from local tribal residents, who, according to his representation, refused to participate in the electoral exercise.

The representation was addressed to the Union Home Secretary and copied to several constitutional authorities, government offices and officials in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

Patro signed the memorandum as a human rights defender and RTI activist from Jeypore in Koraput district.