Tensions along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border have flared up once again ahead of the upcoming Andhra Pradesh Panchayat elections.
The border villages under Koraput district’s Nandapur block—similar to the long-disputed Kotia region—have become the latest battleground as campaigning from the neighbouring state spills across borders.
In key border panchayats like Panthlung, Golur, Chatwa, Khinbar, and Bilaput, election posters featuring candidates backed by Andhra Pradesh have emerged prominently. Campaign teams from Andhra have reportedly been making rounds in these villages, encouraging local voters to turn out at the polls.
Administrative Crackdown on Illegal Posters
Following directives from Koraput Collector Madhusudan Dash, a high-level administrative team visited the border areas to assess the situation. The delegation—including Nandapur Block Development Officer (BDO) Durga Prasad Dora, Tehsildar Debabrata Maharana, and Padwa Police Station IIC Tuna Pidika, along with line-department officials—interacted directly with residents in Raipahada village.
During the visit, officials assured villagers of ongoing developmental initiatives under Odisha government welfare schemes. Clarifying that Andhra Pradesh has set up no official polling booths inside Odisha’s territory, the administration, alongside local residents, removed election posters erected illegally within the state boundaries. Intel reveals that local authorities are keeping a close watch on nearby Andhra-established polling units located at Muchingput, Adrakota, Maliput, Kandrum, and Gorapur.
Dual Cards, Dual Loyalty
The situation highlights a unique socio-political reality along the border. A majority of residents in these border villages hold official identification documents—including Voter ID, Aadhaar, Ration, and Job Cards—issued by both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh governments.
As a result, villagers actively receive welfare assistance, housing subsidies, electricity connections, educational aid, and monthly pensions from both state administrations.
Expressing their stance, villagers openly stated that they would not act against either state since both provide critical support and livelihoods. They voiced their intent to cross the border and vote in the Andhra elections scheduled for November 3, while reaffirming that they will equally participate and vote for local candidates when Odisha conducts its elections.
Political Concerns Mount
This declaration of dual allegiance has raised serious concerns among local political leaders and intellectuals. Analysts point out that dual voter registration presents administrative challenges and undermines territorial governance.
Community leaders have urged the Koraput district administration and the Odisha state government to maintain continuous vigilance over cross-border election booths and step up developmental infrastructure to secure the trust and official alignment of border communities.
