Odisha Moves Supreme Court Against Andhra Pradesh Over Kotia Polls

Odisha has filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court against Andhra Pradesh for holding panchayat elections in the disputed Kotia villages, alleging a violation of a 2006 court order to maintain status quo. The petition, filed through the Koraput district collector with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's approval, follows Andhra Pradesh's October 10 notification for Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections in the region. Odisha claims all 28 Kotia villages are its territory, while Andhra Pradesh asserts rights over 21 of them. The dispute dates to 1968 when Odisha first challenged Andhra Pradesh's claims. Tensions previously escalated in 2021 when Andhra Pradesh held elections there, prompting Odisha to file a contempt petition in 2022. The current petition names Andhra Pradesh's election commissioner, chief secretary, and other officials.