Naveen Patnaik questions Odisha government’s 'silence' on Andhra's poll notification for disputed Kotia villages

Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President Naveen Patnaik addresses a protest. File | Photo Credit: ANI

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.

The decades-old dispute involves both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh claiming their right over 21 of the 28 villages of Kotia Gram Panchayat. The matter has been pending before the Supreme Court, with a fresh suit filed by Odisha in January 2022 still under consideration.

In the face of the opposition's charge of "double standards" and reneging on Odisha's territorial integrity and pride, state minister Suresh Pujari said the BJP government was prepared to "thwart any provocative attempts" by TDP-ruled Andhra Pradesh.

Mr. Patnaik, who is also the leader of the opposition in the Odisha Assembly, sent a letter to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, expressing concern over Andhra Pradesh's notification announcing polls in Phagunasineri, Ganjeipadar and Phatusineri villagers of Kotia gram panchayat.

"What happened to the BJP's assurances that Kotia belongs to Odisha? What makes this even more troubling is that the Telugu Desam Party, which governs Andhra Pradesh, is a crucial ally of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre," the former Chief Minister said.