Koraput: Koraput Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan has rejected claims of a high turnout of Kotia villagers at polling booths in Andhra Pradesh terming the reported figures misleading and contrary to the ground reality.
He said establishing Odisha’s own polling stations in Kotia was the administration’s primary objective, and it had been successfully achieved. Clarifying the reported turnout of around 50 per cent, Mahajan said the figures included voters from five to six villages on the Andhra Pradesh side, compared with only two villages on the Odisha side.
According to the Odisha administration’s assessment, the participation of Odisha residents at Andhra Pradesh polling booths did not exceed 10 per cent. He added that senior district officials, police personnel, magistrates and public representatives closely monitored the situation during polling.
Feedback from villagers and videos circulated on social media also reflected the ground reality. The administration is examining allegations of attempts to influence some villagers and will announce a fresh strategy for the region in the coming days.
