The Kotia dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh has returned to the spotlight as polling for Andhra Pradesh’s rural local body elections takes place on November 5, 2026. Following strong opposition from Odisha, Andhra Pradesh has shifted its proposed polling booth from Neredivalasa village in the disputed Kotia region to Sarika, which lies within its own territory.
The decision came amid heightened tensions along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border, where both states continue to assert their claims over the Kotia region. The relocation of the polling booth has drawn attention as Odisha steps up efforts to protect its territorial interests through Mission Kotia.
Andhra Pradesh Shifts Polling Booth from Neredivalasa to Sarika
Andhra Pradesh had initially planned to establish a polling booth at Neredivalasa village under Kotia Gram Panchayat for its local body elections. However, the proposal faced strong objections from the Odisha administration, political representatives and local residents.
Following discussions between officials from both states and opposition to the proposed arrangement, Andhra Pradesh decided to move the polling station to Sarika, a village located within its territory.
The change means that voters from Neredivalasa and other nearby border villages will have to travel to the new polling location to participate in the electoral process.
The relocation is significant because establishing a polling booth inside the disputed region had raised concerns about the administrative and territorial claims of both states.
Odisha Strengthens Security Across the Kotia Region
Meanwhile, the Odisha government has tightened security arrangements across the sensitive border region to prevent unauthorised entry and maintain law and order during the elections.
Police personnel and administrative officials have been deployed at strategic locations, while surveillance has been strengthened along important entry points. Authorities are also monitoring developments in villages close to the Andhra Pradesh border.
The administration has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) across the 21 disputed villages, according to reports.
These measures follow earlier tensions between personnel from the two states over access to the disputed villages and preparations for the elections.
Long-Standing Odisha-Andhra Pradesh Territorial Dispute
The Kotia region, located in Koraput district of Odisha, has remained at the centre of a long-standing territorial dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The dispute involves 21 of the 28 villages under Kotia Gram Panchayat, with both states claiming administrative jurisdiction over the contested areas.
The matter has a history dating back several decades. Odisha approached the Supreme Court over the boundary dispute in 1968, and the court directed the two states to maintain the status quo.
Despite the legal proceedings, the region has continued to witness disagreements over administration, public services and electoral activities.
Mission Kotia Remains a Key Focus for Odisha
Odisha has continued its efforts to strengthen its administrative presence and protect its territorial interests in Kotia through Mission Kotia.
The relocation of the proposed polling booth from Neredivalasa to Sarika is being viewed as a significant development in this context. It has also brought renewed attention to the state’s efforts to prevent administrative activities by Andhra Pradesh within the disputed villages.
Separately, reports indicate that the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission has sought a report from the district administration regarding objections raised over the conduct of elections in the disputed region.
The movement of the polling booth may have addressed the immediate disagreement over its location, but the broader Kotia dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh remains unresolved. Developments in the border region will continue to be closely watched as both states maintain their respective territorial claims.
