Odisha, Andhra Pradesh police clash over disputed Kotia panchayat elections

Police units from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh faced each other on the ground in Kotia, a village that lies on the disputed border between the two states, as the schedule for panchayat elections approached. The standoff began when election officials from one state attempted to set up polling infrastructure, prompting the neighboring state's police to intervene and block the activity.

Both state governments have asserted jurisdiction over Kotia, leading to a tense atmosphere ahead of the local elections. Senior officials from the respective police departments reported that their personnel were deployed to maintain law and order, but no violent incidents were recorded during the confrontation.

Election authorities have been urged to resolve the jurisdictional issue before the polls can be conducted, as the impasse threatens to delay the panchayat voting process in the area. The situation remains under close monitoring by the district administration of both states.