Koraput: Setting aside political differences, leaders of the BJP, BJD and Congress on Thursday resolved to jointly resist neighbouring Andhra Pradesh’s attempts to conduct rural elections in the disputed Kotia region on Nov 5, while the Koraput district administration warned of stringent legal action, including arrests, against those violating prohibitory orders or influencing villagers to participate in the polls.The decision was taken at an all-party meeting chaired by Koraput collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan, where representatives of the three major political parties unanimously agreed to safeguard Odisha’s territorial interests and intensify their presence in the border villages. Jeypore MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati asserted that there would be no compromise over Kotia’s territorial status. “Not an inch of Kotia will be surrendered to Andhra Pradesh. Kotia is an integral part of Odisha, and we will fight unitedly to protect it. Those choosing to vote in Andhra Pradesh’s elections should also give up the benefits they receive from the Odisha government,” Bahinipati said.Former Koraput BJD MP Jhina Hikaka said political leaders would jointly visit the disputed villages and, if necessary, camp there to prevent Andhra Pradesh from conducting elections. “We have unanimously decided to stand together for Kotia. Leaders from all parties will visit the villages and, if required, stay there to ensure that Andhra Pradesh does not conduct its elections,” Hikaka said.BJP MLA Raghuram Machha said the state govt was taking all necessary measures to protect Odisha’s interests and sought cooperation from political parties irrespective of their affiliations. Meanwhile, Mahajan said the administration had already filed a contempt petition in Supreme Court challenging Andhra Pradesh’s electoral activities in Kotia.Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) will come into force from Nov 1 to prevent unauthorised activities and maintain law and order in the region, the collector said.Warning against attempts to influence villagers, Mahajan said strict action would follow any violation. Anyone found luring villagers to participate in Andhra Pradesh’s elections or violating prohibitory orders will face legal action. Arrests will be made if necessary, he said.Security has been tightened across sensitive border villages, with police personnel deployed at strategic locations to monitor movement ahead of the polls. The collector said the administration was simultaneously focusing on development initiatives and addressing villagers’ grievances to strengthen public confidence.Kotia, a cluster of villages in Koraput district’s Pottangi block, has remained at the centre of a longstanding territorial dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Both states claim jurisdiction over several villages, with the matter pending before Supreme Court.