Koraput: Odisha has once again foiled the bid of the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh government which has been time and again trying to induct villages under the Kotia panchayat in Koraput. This time, the Koraput police dismantled a health camp set up by the Andhra administration in Laudi village of Pottangi block of the district.
The matter came to light when the Andhra government with a private firm organised a health camp at Laudi village in Sunki panchayat under this block, Wednesday. With the Koraput officials busy preparing for the first phase of polls in Odisha next week, the Andhra government used the opportunity to attract the attention of residents who legally belong to Odisha.
However, the plan failed as locals informed the officials of this Potangi block and the latter rushed to the village along with personnel from the Sunki police station and closed down the camp. Andhra officials then played the victim card and told the crowd that had gathered at the camp that they were being prevented from carrying out a ‘humanitarian’ duty.
They tried to convince the Laugi villagers that had they been a part of Andhra Pradesh, they would get such benefits regularly. Andhra officials frequently visit villages under Kotia panchayat to lure residents with welfare and development schemes if they become a part of Andhra Pradesh. They added that many private organisations are aiding the Andhra government.
