There seems to be no end to Andhra Pradesh’s territorial overtures in the bordering areas of Koraput district in Odisha as its Deputy Chief Minister and Tribal Welfare Minister Peedika Rajaana Dora visited Neradivalsa village under the disputed Kotia panchayat of Pottagi block to discuss the AP Government’s welfare schemes with people on Wednesday.
Dora’s visit raised many eyebrows as it happened a few days after the Koraput district administration held a grievance redressal meeting in the same village.
As per reports, Dora interacted with the villagers in details regarding the allowances, amenities like drinking water, electricity, ration, Anganwadi Centres, schools, ‘Amma Vodi’ and other welfare programmes being carried out by his State’s Jagan Reddy Government. He also spoke to the beneficiaries regarding all the initiatives taken by the AP Government in public interest and assured to address all the issues they are facing regarding availing benefits of Government schemes.
Notably, on September 17, the Koraput district administration had conducted a public meeting in Neradivalsa village to discuss various issues with local residents. In the meeting attended by people from Arjuvalsa, Dhulipadar, Panukuvalsa and other disputed areas, villagers had aired their grievances to the Pottangi Block Development Officer and Tehsildar in presence of the sarpanches.
The fact that the AP Deputy CM made a visit to the same village barely within a month after the district administration’s interaction with the locals has again fuelled speculations and tension in the border area.