Odisha Ex-CM Naveen Patnaik Questions Govt Silence on Andhra's Poll Notification for Kotia Villages

The Hindu · india

Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has questioned the state government's silence regarding Andhra Pradesh's notification for panchayat elections in three villages of the disputed Kotia region. Patnaik expressed concern that the BJP's alliance with the TDP, which governs Andhra Pradesh, might be influencing the state government's stance. The decades-old dispute involves both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh claiming rights over 21 villages in the Kotia Gram Panchayat. The matter is currently pending before the Supreme Court, with a fresh suit filed by Odisha in January 2022 still under consideration.