Pottangi: After a brief lull, Andhra Pradesh has again stirred controversy by trying to claim parts of Kotia panchayat as its own territory.
The matter came to the fore as Andhra Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister Peedika Rajanna Dora visited Dhulipadar village in the panchayat Thursday and explained to the villagers about various welfare schemes being implemented by his government.
However, Pottangi block officials were not aware of the visit of the deputy chief minister. This development has come at a time when both the Odisha and Andhra Pradesh governments are at loggerheads over possession of Kotia panchayat.
However, the frequent visits by senior officials from the neighbouring state have always remained a cause for concern for Odisha government officials. Sources said that Dora after his arrival at Dhulipadar village was welcomed by its residents at the meeting place. Dora also addressed the villagers for a substantial period of time.
A number of villagers sought help from Dora to avail of the benefits provided by the Andhra Pradesh government, and he assured them of all cooperation. Pottangi BDO Soumya Sarthak Mishra and other block officials were present at the Kotia panchayat office when the meeting took place. However, they were completely in the dark about Dora’s visit to Dhulipadar village.
This is just an indication of how Odisha government officials are ignorant about the developments within the panchayat on a daily basis. Dora was lauded by people for efforts of his government in developing some areas of the border locality.
Dora told them that development has been achieved in the fringe villages of Kotia panchayat only because of the efforts of the Andhra Pradesh government. Dora explained to the residents about the benefits available in ‘Kadupu-Kadupu’ scheme which means doorstep delivery of essentials.
He read out a long list of the benefits to the villagers available under the scheme. He assured residents of the bordering villages that they will get maximum benefits if they come under the Andhra Pradesh government.
“The Andhra Pradesh government is committed to the all-round development of the people of the border villages. We are formulating some additional welfare schemes for the residents of these villages. You will soon get the benefits of the new schemes,” Dora reportedly told to the villagers. Andhra’s Salur CI Rohini Pathi, block officials and representatives of various panchayat of the neighbouring state were present during the meeting.
Earlier, Dora had visited Tadibalsa village under Kotia panchayat, December 25, last year and attended a programme. The visit of Dora had then sparked a controversy in the state. When contacted, Pottangi BDO Mishra said he has been informed about the visit of Dora and he will pass on the message to the district administration.
Odisha has filed a case in Supreme Court as Andhra Pradesh is continuously staking its claim on Kotia panchayat which is in Koraput district. The matter is sub-judice in the apex court but the neighbouring state is continuously intruding into Kotia panchayat to stake its claim, officials pointed out.
PNN