Koraput: The Odisha government has taken a firm stance against Andhra Pradesh’s attempt to conduct panchayat elections in Kotia under Pottangi block of Koraput district, triggering heightened political and administrative activity in the state.
Meanwhile, the district administration warned those found luring voters in Kotia for the panchayat elections scheduled in Andhra Pradesh will be arrested as it clamped Section 163 Thursday to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incidents.
The matter came to light during an all-party meeting held at the conference hall of the Koraput Collector’s office Thursday to discuss the issue. As part of this move, it has initiated legal action and tightened security in the disputed border region to maintain law and order.
Koraput Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan said the state government had filed a contempt petition in the Supreme Court against Andhra Pradesh’s move.
Speaking to the media persons after the meeting, Mahajan said the administration was taking the matter seriously and would take all necessary legal steps to prevent another state from conducting elections in Kotia.
The administration is also keeping a close watch in the area to prevent illegal entry and violation of rules. The Collector warned that strict legal action would be taken under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagar ik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) against those found violating the law, luring residents or attempting to create unrest in the region.
Mahajan said those involved would be arrested if necessary. During the all-party meeting, Koraput MLA Raghuram Mach ha represented the BJP, while Jayapur MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati and Congress Legislative Party leader Rama Chandra Kadam attended on behalf of the Congress.
Former BJD MP Jhina Hikaka and representatives of other political parties also participated. Meanwhile, security has been tightened in sensitive areas of Kotia. Temporary police outposts have been established at Fatusineri, Phagunsineri and Neredibalsa, among other places. The police are monitoring the law and order situation and taking steps to prevent any untoward incidents.
The administration said maintaining peace in the region and ensuring the safety of residents remained its top priorities. After the all-party meeting, representatives of various political parties visited Kotia and interacted with the local residents.
They heard their grievances, discussed their needs and sought their opinions on the issues affecting the area.
