Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, wrote to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, pressing him to immediately escalate the Kotia territorial dispute with both the Union Government and the Andhra Pradesh government at the highest level. The letter comes as Andhra Pradesh prepares to conduct local body elections in the disputed Kotia region of Koraput district on Thursday, triggering sharp confrontations between officials of the two states.

Background: What the Kotia Dispute Is About

The Kotia cluster of villages in Koraput district has long been contested between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, with both states claiming administrative jurisdiction. The latest flashpoint is Andhra Pradesh's decision to hold local body elections in the region — a move Odisha considers a direct challenge to its territorial integrity. Patnaik noted that he had first written to Chief Minister Majhi on this matter on 19 October, and the Chief Minister had responded on 27 October. Since then, he said, the situation has 'further deteriorated.'

What Patnaik Said

'It is particularly concerning that Andhra Pradesh is proceeding with its elections in Kotia tomorrow, despite its implications for Odisha,' Patnaik wrote. He invoked the fact that both states are currently governed by National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners under the leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), arguing that this alignment made it even more urgent for the Centre to intervene. He also reminded Chief Minister Majhi that protecting Kotia was a commitment the BJP made in its 2024 election manifesto. 'I hope the BJP leadership will honour its commitment to the people of Odisha and walk the talk on the Kotia issue, as guaranteed in its 2024 election manifesto,' Patnaik said.

Ground Situation: Confrontations and Police Deployment

The situation on the ground is tense. On Tuesday, scuffles and heated confrontations broke out between police and officials of both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh at three checkpoints in the disputed region. The Odisha state government has since deployed 16 platoons of police force in the area to prevent Andhra Pradesh officials from entering and conducting elections.

State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari confirmed the heightened deployment, stating that the administration is working to 'thwart the neighbouring state's bid' to hold local body elections in Kotia. 'The administration will be present, the police will be present, political parties will be there, social activists will be there, and people who love Odisha will fight this battle,' Pujari said.

Political Significance: NDA vs NDA

What makes this dispute particularly notable is the political dynamic at its core. Both Odisha — governed by the BJP under Chief Minister Majhi — and Andhra Pradesh — led by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N. Chandrababu Naidu, also an NDA ally — are partners in the ruling coalition at the Centre. Patnaik, now in opposition after the BJD's defeat in the 2024 Odisha assembly elections, is using this alignment as leverage, essentially asking the BJP to arbitrate between two of its own allies. This comes amid broader questions about how intra-alliance territorial disputes are managed at the national level.

What Happens Next

With elections in Kotia scheduled for 5 November, the next 24 hours are critical. The Odisha government's large police deployment signals it will not allow elections to proceed without resistance. All eyes are now on the Centre — specifically whether the Union Government steps in to defer or mediate — and whether the BJP can prevent an escalation between two of its own state-level partners.