Kotia Dispute / Odisha to identify Kotia residents who voted in Andhra polls; Law Minister signals action

Bhubaneswar, Nov 6: The Odisha government may initiate action against residents of the Kotia region in Koraput district who allegedly voted in the recent local body elections, conducted by Andhra Pradesh. Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Friday indicated that such voters would be identified, and possible action taken against them.

The Minister's remarks came amid a fresh controversy over polling in Andhra Pradesh's panchayat elections in villages located near the Kotia border, an area claimed by both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. While the Koraput district administration had strongly opposed the conduct of polling in the region, Andhra Pradesh went ahead with the exercise by setting up polling stations.

Government Signals Action 

Speaking on the issue, Harichandan said some residents of the Kotia gram panchayat cluster had participated in the Andhra Pradesh Zilla Parishad elections despite appeals and awareness efforts by the Odisha administration.

He said leaders cutting across political lines had united to send a strong message on protecting Odisha's interests in Kotia. However, a section of residents allegedly ignored the appeal and cast their votes in the neighbouring State's election.

The Minister stated that the government would identify people who crossed the border to vote and take an appropriate decision after examining the matter. According to him, some voters may have acted due to a lack of awareness, while others could have been influenced by inducements from across the border.

He maintained that individuals who voluntarily participated in the election despite warnings may face action, though the nature of such action would be decided after due consideration by the government.

Review of Legal and Revenue Aspects 

Harichandan also said the government would undertake a detailed assessment of the issue, including matters related to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR). He added that the Revenue Department would collect relevant information and submit its findings.

The Minister alleged that the previous government had failed to take adequate steps on the Kotia issue, resulting in setbacks in legal proceedings. He said the Chief Minister was aware of the developments and that further decisions would be taken after examining all legal aspects.

Conflicting Voting Claims 

Meanwhile, Koraput Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan questioned claims made by Andhra Pradesh regarding voter turnout in Kotia. While Andhra Pradesh reportedly claimed around 35% polling, the Collector said the actual turnout was below 10%.

Responding to various claims circulating on social media and elsewhere, Mahajan said independent verification of the voting figures was necessary. He noted that differing numbers were being cited regarding voter participation and stressed the need for a factual assessment of the polling data.