In a setback for K Chandrashekar Rao's Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), the Election Commission (EC) has withdrawn permission for the Telangana government to distribute financial aid to farmers under the Rythu Bandhu Scheme for rabi crops. The move comes after a state minister violated the model code of conduct by publicly announcing the disbursement.
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." The election panel had initially granted permission for the disbursement during the model code of conduct period but had prohibited publicizing the process.
Telangana is scheduled for elections on November 30, and the EC has now informed the state chief electoral officer of the withdrawal of permission. The state finance minister's premature public announcement regarding the release of rabi instalments led to the EC's decision.
The Congress party had previously urged the Chief Election Commissioner to impose restrictions on the BRS, particularly regarding the mention of Rythu Bandhu disbursements in their poll campaign.
On November 24, the EC had approved the state government's request to distribute funds under the Rythu Bandhu Scheme before November 28. However, the Congress alleged that BRS leaders were exploiting the EC's approval to influence voters improperly.
Despite the EC's clearance, the state government explained that due to bank holidays and the EC directive against disbursement on November 29 and 30, funds would be deposited into farmers' accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer method.
The state agriculture department estimates that 70 lakh farmers will benefit from the Rythu Bandhu Scheme in the current Yasangi (rabi) season. The EC's intervention underscores its commitment to maintaining fairness during the election period and preventing any misuse of government schemes for political gain.
