The long-standing territorial dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh over the strategic Kotia region has flared up once again.
Andhra Pradesh is reportedly moving forward with preparations to conduct local body elections in the disputed area, raising serious concerns of renewed friction between the two neighbouring states.
According to initial reports, polling for the District Panchayat Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) and Mandal Panchayat Territorial Constituency (MPTC) members is scheduled for November 3, 2026, with vote counting set for November 5. While a formal official notification is awaited, the election schedule indicates that nominations close on October 23, scrutiny will take place on October 24, and the final date for withdrawal is October 27. Additionally, elections for Sarpanches and ward members are planned across three phases on November 26, November 29, and December 2, 2026.
This development follows Andhra Pradesh’s administrative division of the Kotia region into three separate panchayats—Ganjeivadara, Patusinari, and Dhulibhadra—which correspond to the Odisha-recognised villages of Ganjeipadara, Phatusineri, and Dhulipadara.
This is not the first time Andhra Pradesh has moved to assert administrative control over the area. Despite stiff protests and legal opposition from the Odisha government, Andhra previously conducted panchayat polls in Kotia in 2021 and participated in the 2024 general elections there. Political analysts and local observers have expressed deep concern over the timing of the announcement, noting that holding these elections roughly ten months behind schedule and ahead of Odisha’s own electoral cycle could aggravate the geopolitical standoff.
With both states claiming sovereignty over the resource-rich pockets of Koraput district, the latest electoral push by Andhra Pradesh threatens to reignite regional tensions and prompt a strong diplomatic and administrative response from Odisha.
