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Politics
Odisha Parties Unite to Block Andhra Pradesh Polls in Disputed Kotia
✍️ India Today
🗓 30 Oct 2026, 03:10 PM
👁 14
Political parties from Odisha have joined forces to oppose the conduct of elections in the disputed Kotia area, which is claimed by both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
The disputed Kotia region, situated on the border of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, has long been a flashpoint between the two states. Recent reports indicate that several major political parties from Odisha have come together to oppose the scheduling of elections in the area.
The coalition, comprising representatives from the Biju Janata Dal, the Indian National Congress, and the Bharatiya Janata Party, expressed concerns that conducting elections in Kotia could exacerbate territorial tensions and undermine the region’s administrative stability.
Party leaders stated that any electoral activity in Kotia would be viewed as a unilateral move that disregards the ongoing negotiations between the states. They called for a joint resolution to address the dispute before any voting process is initiated.
The opposition to the polls has drawn attention from both state governments, with officials from Andhra Pradesh indicating that they are monitoring the situation closely. The move is expected to influence the timeline of elections in the contested area and may prompt a renewed dialogue between the two states.
The coalition, comprising representatives from the Biju Janata Dal, the Indian National Congress, and the Bharatiya Janata Party, expressed concerns that conducting elections in Kotia could exacerbate territorial tensions and undermine the region’s administrative stability.
Party leaders stated that any electoral activity in Kotia would be viewed as a unilateral move that disregards the ongoing negotiations between the states. They called for a joint resolution to address the dispute before any voting process is initiated.
The opposition to the polls has drawn attention from both state governments, with officials from Andhra Pradesh indicating that they are monitoring the situation closely. The move is expected to influence the timeline of elections in the contested area and may prompt a renewed dialogue between the two states.