The border dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh over 21 villages is once again in focus after Andhra issued a notification for panchayat elections, including the disputed villages.
Odisha claims that these villages are part of Pottangi block in Odishaโs Koraput district, while Andhra Pradesh asserts that these villages fall under Salur block of Parvathipuram Manyam district.
Key Takeaways
- The Odisha Andhra border dispute is escalating over 21 villages claimed by both states
- The dispute has implications for India's federal structure and the relationship between states
- The Supreme Court's order to maintain the status quo has been interpreted differently by the two states, leading to confusion and tension
What triggered the dispute
The dispute was triggered by the discovery of minerals such as bauxite and graphite in the 21 villages, which led to both states staking claims to the area.
Who is affected by the dispute
The dispute affects the residents of the 21 villages, who are largely tribals from the Kondh community.
Residents have voter ID cards and Aadhaar cards from both states, allowing them to access benefits from both and also vote in elections in each state.
What the dispute is about
The dispute is about the ownership of the 21 villages, which are claimed by both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh as part of their territories.
Odisha claims that these villages were part of the Jeypore Estate before 1936, while Andhra Pradesh asserts that these villages fall under Salur taluka of the Parvathipuram sub-division.
By the numbers
- 21 villages are at the center of the dispute
- 1936 is the year when the Odisha province was created
- 1956 is the year when Andhra Pradesh was created
- 1968 is the year when the Odisha government approached the Supreme Court
- 17% polling was recorded in Kotia during the panchayat elections in 2021
- 76% polling was recorded in Kotia during the panchayat elections in 2022
Historical background of the dispute
The dispute has its roots in the creation of the Odisha province in 1936 and the subsequent transfer of a part of the Jeypore Estate to Visakhapatnam district.
The status of the 21 villages remained unclear even after Andhra Pradesh was created in 1956.
Efforts to resolve the dispute
Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, former Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and other Odisha leaders have objected to the Andhra governmentโs notification.
Pradhan visited Kotia panchayat three times between 2018 and 2023 and wrote to the then Odisha CM Patnaik and Andhra CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, urging them to resolve the dispute.
Current situation
Odisha minister Suresh Pujari told ET that the state was exploring all possible options to prevent the panchayat elections announced by Andhra.
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Andhra minister G Sandhyarani maintained that the status quo order did not prevent the state from holding elections and applied only to new construction.
Rift between BJP and TDP
The dispute has created a rift between the BJP and its ally, the TDP, as the party shares power in both Andhra Pradesh and at the Centre.
BJD and Congress have also joined the fight, with the BJP now finding itself locked in a battle with its own ally.
Implications for India
The dispute has implications for Indiaโs federal structure and the relationship between states.
The Supreme Courtโs order to maintain the status quo has been interpreted differently by the two states, leading to confusion and tension.
What to watch next
The outcome of the panchayat elections in the disputed villages will be crucial in determining the future of the dispute.
The Centre may also be forced to intervene in the dispute, given the implications for Indiaโs federal structure and the relationship between states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Odisha Andhra border dispute about?
The dispute is about the ownership of 21 villages claimed by both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh as part of their territories.
What triggered the dispute?
The dispute was triggered by the discovery of minerals such as bauxite and graphite in the 21 villages.
What are the implications of the dispute for India?
The dispute has implications for India's federal structure and the relationship between states.
