Bhubaneswar: Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has raised concerns regarding the state government's perceived inaction following Andhra Pradesh's issuance of a poll notification for villages situated in the long-contested Kotia Gram Panchayat area. Mr. Patnaik's remarks highlight the enduring nature of the territorial dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, which has seen both states assert their claims over the cluster of villages.

The core of the disagreement revolves around the sovereignty of 21 out of the 28 villages that constitute the Kotia Gram Panchayat. This decades-old boundary issue has consistently been a point of contention between the two neighbouring states, leading to administrative and legal battles over the years.

The matter is currently under the purview of the Supreme Court of India, where it has been pending resolution. In a development in January 2022, the Odisha government filed a fresh suit before the apex court, seeking a definitive resolution to the dispute. This legal challenge remains under consideration by the Supreme Court, underscoring the complexity and sensitivity of the issue.

Mr. Patnaik's recent questioning of the state's 'silence' comes as Andhra Pradesh proceeds with electoral processes in areas that Odisha also claims as its own. Such actions by either state in the disputed zone often lead to heightened political rhetoric and renewed calls for clarity on the administrative boundaries. The former Chief Minister's intervention brings the long-running dispute back into the public discourse, prompting scrutiny of the current government's strategy in handling the inter-state boundary challenge.

The historical context of the Kotia dispute dates back several decades, with both states presenting various historical, cultural, and administrative arguments to support their claims. The residents of these villages often find themselves caught between the competing jurisdictional claims, impacting their access to state services and participation in local governance. The ongoing legal proceedings in the Supreme Court represent the primary avenue for a definitive judicial determination of the rightful administrative control over these contested territories.