Senior Congress leader and Jeypore MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged large-scale electoral fraud in the disputed Kotia border region of Odisha’s Koraput district.
Addressing the media on Sunday, 8 November 2026, Bahinipati claimed that non-residents were illegally brought in from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh to cast proxy votes in local elections, compromising the democratic integrity of the sensitive border belt.
Allegations of Non-Resident Voting & Democratic Violation
The Jeypore lawmaker highlighted severe irregularities in the conduct of elections across villages in the Kotia panchayat. Bahinipati asserted that individuals residing across the Andhra Pradesh border were transported into Odisha territory to cast fake votes during local balloting.
The MLA claimed that even a candidate contesting the election in the area was reportedly unable or not permitted to cast their own vote, demonstrating systematic electoral failure.
Describing the incident as an existential threat to democratic principles and public trust, Bahinipati urged central authorities to institute an immediate, transparent CBI investigation.
Push for Strict Enforcement & Border Oversight
The Kotia cluster—comprising 21 border villages—remains a long-standing point of administrative friction between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Bahinipati urged election authorities and law enforcement to take exemplary punitive action against officials and political operatives involved in voter impersonation to safeguard border security and democratic rights in future polls.
