Kotia Polls Dispute: Odisha Moves Supreme Court Against Andhra Govt

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has moved the Supreme Court against the Andhra Pradesh government’s attempt to hold panchayat polls in three villages of Koraput’s Kotia panchayat.

In a writ petition filed on behalf of Odisha, SC’s Advocate on Record (AOR) Sibo Sankar Mishra mentioned that the apex court had ordered to maintain the status quo in the disputed border area of Kotia in 1968. Hence, Odisha sought contempt of court proceedings against Andhra Pradesh and appealed for a speedy hearing in the matter.

Also Read: Odisha To Move SC Against Andhra’s Bid To Conduct Panchayat Polls In Kotia Panchayat

Notably, the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to conduct panchayat election in three villages — Talaganjeipadar, Phatuseneri and Phagunaseneri — of Kotia panchayat on February 13.

The Andhra Pradesh government declared that the three villages came under its Salur block, a claim disputed by the Odisha government.

It is for the first time that elections to the panchayat bodies have been announced in the block by Andhra Pradesh.

Also Read: Odisha Govt Readies For Legal Battle With Andhra Over Feb 13 Election In Kotia