EC directs Telangana government to halt Rythu Bandhu scheme disbursements, denting KCR's plans
New Delhi, November 27: The Election Commission (EC) dealt a blow to K Chandrashekar Rao's Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) by revoking permission granted to the Telangana government for disbursing financial aid to farmers under the Rythu Bandhu Scheme. This decision came after a state minister breached the model code of conduct by publicly announcing the scheme, prompting the EC's intervention.
In response, the EC stated, "There shall be no disbursement under the Scheme till the Model Code of Conduct in the State of Telangana ceases to apply in all its forms."
Initially, the EC had authorised the Telangana government to distribute the rabi instalment during the model code of conduct period under specific conditions, emphasizing the need to refrain from publicising the disbursements during the election phase, as the state gears up for elections on November 30.
Expressing disapproval of the premature announcement made by the state finance minister regarding the imminent disbursement, the EC swiftly withdrew its permission, signaling a retraction from its earlier stance.
Previously, on November 24, the EC had granted approval to the state government for the Rythu Bandhu Scheme's disbursement before November 28. However, the Congress party had urged the Chief Election Commissioner to impose restrictions on BRS, citing concerns that the scheme's mention in their campaign could sway voters.
Subsequently, amidst blame games between BRS and Congress regarding the disbursement's obstruction, the state government announced plans to deposit funds into farmers' bank accounts via the Direct Benefit Transfer method due to bank holidays and EC directives.
The Rythu Bandhu Scheme, also known as the Farmer's Investment Support Scheme (FISS), initiated by the Telangana government in 2018, aims to assist farmers by providing ₹5,000 per acre for their land investment, covering both kharif and rabi harvests. This direct investment support scheme, allocating ₹12,000 crore from the state budget, benefits approximately 58 lakh farmers in Telangana, marking a significant step in direct financial aid to agriculturalists.
- With inputs from agencies
