BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Monday questioned the Odisha government's silence on Andhra Pradesh issuing a notification for panchayat elections in three villages of Kotia in Koraput district. He demanded to know why the state government was not responding.
Patnaik asked if the BJP's dependence on NDA ally TDP was the reason for the Odisha government's silence on the matter. He urged the government to provide clarity on its stance.
The dispute over 21 of the 28 villages of Kotia Gram Panchayat has been ongoing for decades. Both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh claim their rights over these villages.
The notification for panchayat elections in three Kotia villages was issued on October 19, 2026. This action has brought renewed attention to the disputed territory.
Naveen Patnaik demanded an immediate response from the Odisha government regarding the election notification in the disputed area. He called for measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
