May 3rd 2024.
The small villages of Kotia, situated in the charming hills of the Eastern Ghats, have once again become the center of attention as the general elections are underway in the country. These villages, which lie on the border of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, have been embroiled in a territorial dispute for many years, with both states laying claim to their land. The matter has now reached the Supreme Court, leaving the fate of these villages hanging in the balance.
One unique aspect of these villages is that the residents hold dual voting rights, allowing them to cast their ballot in both states. This has made the villages a hot spot for competition between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, as each state tries to woo the villagers with various welfare measures. With the upcoming elections falling on the same day for both states, the villagers are facing a difficult decision as to where to exercise their right to vote.
In an effort to ensure a smooth election process, officials from the Parvathipuram Manyam district in Andhra Pradesh and the Koraput district in Odisha have begun talks. C Vishnu Charan, the Project Officer of the Integrated Tribal Development Agency and the Returning Officer for Saluru Assembly, explains that there are approximately 2700 voters in the 21 villages spread across nine Gram Panchayats. In the previous elections, polling stations were set up outside the Kotia region due to the absence of a proper government building.
One of the main reasons for the dispute over these villages is the fact that the residents hold voter ID cards from both states. This has allowed them to vote in local body elections on both sides in the past. Signs in both Odia and Telugu can be seen throughout the villages, with the AP Girijan Cooperative Society displaying Telugu signage and the Odisha counterpart using their language.
The villagers of Kotia enjoy benefits from both states, with the Odisha government providing voter ID cards and the Andhra government offering power lines and free electricity. The villages also have schools in both mediums, Odia and Telugu, and two water tanks built by each state. The residents are even able to collect free rice from both governments, and when it comes to old age pensions, Andhra Pradesh offers Rs 3000 while Odisha offers Rs 1000.
The villagers of Nerla Valasa express their desire to be part of Andhra Pradesh, given the choice. Gorla Satyavathi, the Sarpach of Sarika village, alleges that during the local body elections in Andhra Pradesh in 2022, the Odisha police created obstacles for voters trying to exercise their right to vote. However, a police official from the district clarifies that the villagers are free to approach any police station to file a complaint if they face any issues.
In conclusion, the people of Kotia villages continue to live in a state of uncertainty as their homes are fought over by two states. With the matter now in the hands of the Supreme Court, the fate of these villages and their unique dual voting status remains to be seen. The upcoming elections hold great importance for the villagers, who must now decide which state will receive their vote.
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