The political battleground over the disputed Kotia region has taken a dramatic turn. Despite the imposition of Section 144 by the Odisha administration in Pattangi block, politicians from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh are reportedly running an unrestrained, undercover campaign in the border villages ahead of the upcoming local body elections.
By day, the region sees a heavy presence of Odisha administrative officials and political leaders asserting control. However, as dusk falls and official movements subside, Andhra candidates are using hidden tracks and hilly pathways to enter Kotia under the cover of darkness.
Midnight Campaigning and Stealth Tactics
Following an incident on October 30, when Pattangi block officials impounded an Andhra campaign vehicle, Andhra politicians shifted their strategy. Avoiding daylight visits, banners, and loud public address systems, candidates now slip into villages like Patusineri, Talasembi, and Neredibalasa accompanied by just one or two supporters. Utilising local networks, they conduct brief, targeted door-to-door visits before vanishing back across the border.
The Koraput district administration has established 24-hour police checkpoints (nakas) across major entries, but the rugged, mountainous terrain makes complete blockade nearly impossible.
“We Eat Andhra’s Salt”: Border Villagers Challenge Odisha
The rhetoric delivered during these covert visits has fueled growing local dissatisfaction with Odisha’s administration. Border residents have taken a defiant stance, directly challenging Odisha officials.
“We are not voting in Andhra elections for the first time; our families have cast votes for both states for generations,” stated several local villagers. “We receive more benefits and welfare support from Andhra Pradesh than from Odisha. We eat Andhra’s salt, and we will cast our votes for Andhra. No one can stop us.”
This strong public sentiment serves as a serious warning signal for the Odisha government, which has been trying to solidify its administration in the contested region.
Focus Shifts to Adjacent Border Villages
As Odisha authorities remain heavily focused on Kotia, reports indicate that Andhra political strategists are expanding their scope. Taking advantage of the administrative spotlight on main Kotia, efforts are underway to mobilise voters from other adjacent border villages under Nuagaon panchayat in Pattangi block, including Galigabadar, Digugabadar, and Uparpanaki.
With election day approaching, the game of cat-and-mouse between the Odisha administration and Andhra political operatives continues to escalate, keeping the entire border zone on edge.
