Voting has concluded in Andhra Pradesh’s areas bordering the disputed Kotia region of Odisha, triggering a fresh controversy over the participation of voters from the Kotia gram panchayat cluster. Following strong opposition from the Koraput district administration, Andhra Pradesh shifted its polling station to Sarika. While reports suggest that less than 10 per cent voting took place, Andhra Pradesh has reportedly claimed a 35 per cent voter turnout.
Amid the conflicting claims over voter turnout, Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has indicated that the state government may take action against people from Kotia who participated in the Andhra Pradesh elections.
Despite objections from the Koraput administration, some residents of the Kotia gram panchayat cluster reportedly participated in Andhra Pradesh’s Zilla Parishad elections.
Reacting to the development, Harichandan said that leaders cutting across party lines had united over the Kotia issue and sent a strong message. However, some people ignored the appeal and participated in the elections conducted by Andhra Pradesh.
The minister said the government would examine the matter and take an appropriate decision. People who crossed the state border to cast their votes would be identified, and further action would be decided accordingly.
He added that some people might have participated due to a lack of awareness, while others could have been influenced by inducements from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. The government believes action may be necessary against those who voluntarily participated in the elections.
Government to Examine Legal Aspects and SIR Issue
The Law Minister also said that the state government would examine the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue. The Revenue Department would collect relevant information and analyse the matter. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has also been informed about the developments.
Taking a swipe at the previous BJD government, Harichandan alleged that Odisha had lost several legal cases due to the failure of the previous administration to take timely steps.
He said the government would review all available legal aspects before deciding on the next course of action. The Revenue Department would conduct a detailed assessment, following which the government would take an appropriate decision.
Koraput Collector Rejects Andhra’s 35% Voting Claim
Meanwhile, Koraput Collector Manoj Satyaban Mahajan has rejected Andhra Pradesh’s claim of 35 per cent voter turnout in the Kotia region.
Speaking to the media, Mahajan clarified that the reported 35 per cent polling figure was incorrect and maintained that the actual voter turnout was less than 10 per cent.
There have also been conflicting reports and figures regarding the number of votes cast. While one set of claims refers to approximately 850 votes, another report mentions a difference of 1,021 votes.
The Collector said that the figures and claims surrounding the polling require independent verification.
The controversy has once again brought the long-standing Odisha-Andhra Pradesh territorial dispute over Kotia into focus, with the Odisha government now considering its next steps.