AP govt banks on new strategy to woo Kotia residents

Andhra and Odisha have been locked in a bitter battle over territorial control of revenue villages in Kotia gram panchayat in Koraput district for long. 

But Andhra Pradesh government is leaving no stone unturned to lure Kotia residents by chalking out master plans to win their trust time and again.

Also Read: Andhra Pradesh Keeps Luring Kotia Residents With ‘Schemes’: OTV Ground Report

This time, the State Civil Service Cooperation of the neighbouring state government is distributing rice to small retailers so that Kotia villagers can buy the cereal at fair price. Besides, the Cooperation is distributing turmeric powder, shampoo, soaps, green peas, palomino oil and matchsticks for the residents of 13 villagers under Kotia gram panchayat, said sources.

A beneficiary said, “Odisha government was giving us rice and millet. Later, it stopped providing us millet. But AP government is giving us turmeric powder, shampoo, soaps, green peas, palomino oil and matchsticks among other essential commodities at fair price. That’s why people get attracted towards it.” 

Earlier the AP government was seen attempting to woo Kotia residents by distributing forest land deeds and voter identity cards. Apart from holding health camps, the AP government reportedly provided ration cards, birth and death certificates, different allowances and land deeds to Kotia people.