Pottangi: Tension over political campaigning in the disputed Kotia panchayat of Koraput district surfaced af ter Odisha officials intercepted an Andhra Pradesh vehicle for allegedly campaigning within Odisha’s territorial limits and warned its occupants against violating the restrictions.
The vehicle, carrying flags bearing the bicycle symbol and campaign materials, was reportedly campaigning in support of Chiranjeevi Tadingi, a Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-backed candidate for the Samiti member post. It was heading towards Galigabada village under Nua gaon panchayat when officials intercepted it following a tip-off.
Pottangi Tehsildar Devendra Bahadur Singh Dharua, Kotia Panchayat Special Officer Saurabh Kant Das, Panchayat Executive Officer Balabhadra Padhi and Engineer Prasanna Garada reached the spot and inspected the vehicle.
After questioning its occupants and examining the campaign materials, they handed it over to Pottangi police for further investigation. The tehsildar confirmed that the vehicle had been handed over to the police, who are investigating the matter.
The intervention has reportedly disrupted Andhra Pradesh’s campaign activities in several border villages of Kotia, raising concerns among the candidate, supporters and voters.
Meanwhile, preparations are reportedly underway in Neridibalsa village for a polling booth proposed by Andhra Pradesh, with questions arising over its location and arrangements following the latest intervention by Odisha officials.