It appears as if the Andhra Pradesh government is leaving no stone unturned to merge Odisha villages with its border.
At a time when stand-off between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh on claiming control over a group of villages in Kotia region has not yet been resolved, the Andhra Pradesh government has reportedly started constructing houses under different schemes in Bangurugudi village of Talagolura Panchayat under Potangi block.
This apart, some officials of the neighbouring State were seen distributing land deeds, electricity connection and ration cards to residents of Bangurugudi village.
It is said that AP government officials are doing so as a part of its master plan to claim control over Bangurugudi village.
Interestingly, people residing at Bangurugudi village are possessing two ration cards, two voter identity cards. However, they are given electricity connectivity by AP government.
Meanwhile, locals alleged that though Odisha government officials were informed about it repeatedly, they are yet to look into the issue.
A local resident said, “We have got voter identity card and ration card from both AP and Odisha governments but electricity connectivity has been given by AP government.
Former Sarpanch of the area Pati Baladabai said, “Residents of Bangurugudi have got Aadhar cards, ration card, facilities under Indira Awas Yojana from Andhra Pradesh government. The AP government has given them electricity supply since 2006. However, Odisha government has not provided power connection although they have been residing here for many years. Moreover, no government authorities including Block Development Officer and Zila Parishad Chairman are yet to pay visit to the village despite being aware of the development.
Earlier, in a new map released by the Andhra government, 28 villages of Kotia region were found placed in Parvatipuram Manyam district under Andhra Pradesh.