Border Controversy / Kotia row escalates again as dual voter IDs trigger fresh Odisha Andhra tussle

Bhubaneswar, Nov 8: The long-running boundary dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh has flared up once again after allegations surfaced that several residents of Kotia possess voter identity cards and Aadhaar cards issued by both states.

The development has raised fresh concerns over the integrity of electoral records in the disputed border region of Koraput district.

Allegations have emerged that Andhra Pradesh has been attempting to bring Odisha voters under its electoral fold by allegedly altering their names, village details and district information while preparing voter and identity documents.

Also read: Odisha to identify Kotia residents who voted in Andhra polls; Law Minister signals action

The issue has revived memories of previous tensions between officials of the two states during local body elections. Odisha had earlier opposed alleged attempts by Andhra Pradesh to set up polling booths in Neredibalsa village, a move that eventually did not materialise.

The latest controversy has reignited questions over how residents of Kotia continue to possess voter identity cards from both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh despite the completion of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Critics have alleged a deliberate effort to influence voters in the region by modifying personal and geographical details in official records.

Amid the debate, Koraput district authorities have clarified that the Special Intensive Revision process in Kotia has been completed successfully. According to officials, a detailed survey covering all 28 villages of the Kotia panchayat was conducted, involving 5,305 voters.

The district administration has also announced an investigation into reports that some residents possess multiple Aadhaar cards. Officials said the authenticity of such documents will be examined thoroughly.