Kotia Dispute / Odisha’s united stand forces Andhra to shift Kotia poll booth

Koraput, Nov 5: In the contested Kotia region of Odisha’s Koraput district, a rare show of unity among political leaders, government officials and local residents has emerged as a defining feature of the State’s response to Andhra Pradesh’s latest electoral exercise in the border area.

The coordinated effort, cutting across political affiliations, was aimed at safeguarding Odisha’s territorial claim over the Kotia cluster of villages, which has remained at the centre of an inter-State boundary dispute for decades.

United Front

Residents, public representatives and the district administration joined hands to oppose the proposed location of a polling booth at Narediwalsa. According to local accounts, the administration maintained a round-the-clock vigil in the border area to prevent any move perceived as undermining Odisha’s claim over the region.

Faced with sustained opposition from Odisha, Andhra Pradesh eventually shifted the polling station from Narediwalsa to Sariki village, located within its own territory, nearly two kilometres away.

The development was widely viewed by local stakeholders as a significant assertion of Odisha’s position in the disputed region.

Administrative Resolve

A key role in the effort was played by Koraput Sub-Collector Fabi Rasheed, whose leadership on the ground drew appreciation from leaders across party lines.

In what is her first posting as Sub-Collector after completing probation, Ms. Rasheed led the administrative team that remained stationed near the border during the sensitive period. Koraput SDPO and other officials also coordinated security and monitoring measures in the area.

Her firm handling of the situation earned praise from both elected representatives and local residents.

Allegations and Reactions

There were allegations that some residents of Kotia were persuaded to travel through forest routes to participate in the Andhra Pradesh electoral process. However, political leaders and government representatives maintained that the number was limited and did not affect the broader response mounted by Odisha.

Panchayati Raj Minister Rabinarayan Naik stated that Andhra Pradesh’s efforts to influence residents had largely failed. Opposition leaders, while supporting Odisha’s stand, called for a lasting resolution to the border dispute through high-level discussions between the two States.

A Symbolic Moment

For many in Odisha, the events in Kotia represented more than an administrative contest. The collective mobilisation of officials, political parties and villagers underscored a shared commitment to protecting the State’s interests along a sensitive border.

The developments have once again brought the Kotia issue into focus, while demonstrating the strength of a united response in one of Odisha’s most closely watched territorial disputes.