At a time when both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh governments are at loggerheads over Kotia gram panchayat in Koraput district, the frequent visit of the neighbouring state officials to the region is adding fuel to the fire.
Triggering a fresh controversy, the officials of Andhra government from Parvathipuram Manyam district visited the region and held discussions with the locals in Phagunascenery and Phatuscenery.
According to sources, J Satyanarayan and two officials from Tribal Welfare Department of Andhra Pradesh went to the region and attempted to lure the locals by offering several welfare schemes.
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Besides, they assured the women of the two villages to provide monetary assistance for turmeric farming, sources informed.
It is worthwhile to mention here that, despite strict opposition from the Odisha government, Andhra continues to intrude into the Kotia region and entice the locals.
Recently, stickers of Andhra Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy were seen being put up on the pucca houses constructed under Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana in Talaganjeipadar village in Kotia escalating the controversy further.
Similarly, the recent visit of Andhra deputy chief minister Peedika Rajanna Dora to Kotia had sparked controversy. Dora was found sensitising the villagers about various welfare schemes of the YSR Congress party government during his visit to the disputed region.