Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik criticises the Odisha government over what he calls “silence” regarding an election notification issued by Andhra Pradesh for three disputed villages in the Kotia Gram Panchayat area. Patnaik argues that Odisha should respond more clearly, given the long-running inter-state boundary dispute that affects voting and administrative control.
The dispute dates back decades and involves claims by both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh over 21 of the 28 villages under the Kotia Gram Panchayat. The matter is pending before the Supreme Court. Outlets report that Odisha filed a fresh legal case in January 2022, but it has not yet been resolved, while Andhra proceeds with election-related steps for the disputed areas. Coverage focuses on Patnaik’s challenge to Odisha’s handling of the situation, while the underlying legal status of the villages remains the central context across reports.
