Paralakhemundi: Even as Andhra Pradesh has been trying hard to intrude into Gajapati district, its high-handedness crossed all limits Thursday as a senior minister and officials of the neighbouring state barged into the district and forcibly unsealed an Anganwadi centre at Manikapatna village under Gangabada panchayat in Raigad block.
The centre was earlier sealed by the district administration. Tension was palpable in the area as Andhra Pradesh with this forcible intrusion has put its signature in Gajapati district.
Accompanied by hundreds of party workers and officials, Dr Apala Raju, minister for fisheries and animal husbandry in Andhra Pradesh government, barged into the village and unsealed the Anganwadi centre.
Raju forcibly broke the lock and started teaching children in the centre. Besides, they undertook a series of programmes related to early childhood education.
Raju not only unsealed the centre but distributed eggs among children. They even went on to say that criminal cases will be filed and legal action will be taken against Odisha officials who are responsible for sealing the centre.
Speaking to media, Raju and Andhra officials said they will not tolerate any interference of the Odisha government and the district administration in their work in the area.
On being informed, ADM Sangram Sekhar Panda and Raigad BDO rushed to the spot and were taking stock of the situation when the AP minister and officials confronted them. The AP minister and officials argued with the two district officials and threatened them.
They allegedly shounted slogans like ‘Jai Jagan’ in the presence of two Gajapati officials while the two district officials appeared helpless before them. They reportedly claimed that the area belongs to Andhra Pradesh.
The state government will be apprised of the development and a road and police outpost will be constructed in Manikapatna village, ADM Panda said Sources said, Andhra Pradesh officials established a temporary Anganwadi centre at Manikapatna village under Gangabada panchayat Tuesday.
Being informed, the Gajapati administration sealed the Anganwadi centre immediately as the area belongs to Odisha. The incident had sparked tension, but it was brought under control after officials decided to carry out a demarcation of the border between both the states.
PNN
