Andhra Pradesh confronts hurdle over Kotia panchayat polls amid Odisha pushback

The Andhra Pradesh government is preparing to hold panchayat elections in the Kotia cluster of villages along the AP‑Odisha border, a task made difficult by recent disruptions to ZPTC and MPTC voting and objections from Odisha officials, The Hindu reported.

Why are the Kotia panchayat elections considered a herculean task?

The elections are challenging because Odisha authorities have barred the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) from campaigning in villages such as Ganjaibhadra, Pagaluchennuru and Pattuchennuru, limiting activity to places like Sarika and Kurukuttu, according to The Hindu. Additionally, the polling percentage in the earlier ZPTC and MPTC contests was only 34%, underscoring low voter engagement and logistical strain.

What actions have Odisha officials taken that affect the vote?

Odisha officials reportedly placed MPTC candidates from Ganajibhadra in custody, prompting protests from TDP and YSRCP leaders, The Hindu said. The state also objected to the local body elections, forcing the Andhra Pradesh government to relocate polling booths in several locations.

What has former Deputy Chief Minister Peedika Rajanna Dora demanded?

On Sunday, Peedika Rajanna Dora urged the current administration to conduct the Kotia panchayat elections, accusing it of failing to hold ZPTC and MPTC polls in key villages, The Hindu reported. He recalled that the previous YS Jagan Moh Reddy government carried out elections despite a heavy Odisha police presence, and warned that the Chandrababu Naidu‑led NDA should not succumb to pressure from the BJP‑run Odisha government, lest it appear to have a secret pact, The Hindu added.