Naveen Patnaik questions Odisha government’s 'silence' on Andhra's poll notification for disputed Kotia villages
Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has criticized the state government for its silence regarding Andhra Pradesh's election notification for disputed villages in the Kotia region. The dispute over these villages has been a long-standing territorial issue currently pending before the Supreme Court.
Why it matters
The political tension between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh over border villages reflects broader challenges in federalism and inter-state territorial disputes in India.
Naveen Patnaik questions Odisha government’s 'silence' on Andhra's poll notification for disputed Kotia villages left Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President Naveen Patnaik addresses a protest. File ANI ANI https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/uk29mu/article71603054.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Dont-allow-MMDGS3GJFKLA.3.jpg.jpg ANI Bhubaneswar, Jan 06 (ANI): Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President Naveen Patnaik addresses a protest over rising prices of essential commodities, in Bhubaneswar on Monday. (ANI Photo) The decades-old dispute involves both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh claiming their right over 21 of the 28 villages of Kotia Gram Panchayat Bhubaneswar BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Monday (October 19, 2026) demanded to know whether the BJP's "dependence" on NDA ally TDP was the reason for the state government's "silence" on Andhra Pradesh issuing a notification for panchayat elections in three villages of Kotia in Koraput district.
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