In a setback to the Bharath Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in Telangana, the Election Commission of India (ECI) issued orders to stop fund disbursement under the Rythu Bandhu scheme. In a note, the ECI clearly stated that the permission granted on November 25, 2023, for disbursement under the Rythu Bandhu scheme is to be withdrawn immediately. The ECI cited the reason that Minister Harish Rao had clearly violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by using Rythu Bandhu for election publicity. The ECI promptly conveyed this information to the BRS government and requested the submission of a compliance report by 3 pm on November 27th.
ECI Conditions on Rythu Bandhu Disbursement
According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), there are five conditions for the disbursement of funds under the Rythu Bandhu scheme to beneficiaries during the existence of the model code of conduct. These directions were issued on October 5, 2018, before the assembly elections at that time. Adhering to these conditions, the ECI has given approval for the disbursement of the Rythu Bandhu scheme this time as well.
- No new beneficiaries should be added to the list of eligible beneficiaries.
- No publicity should be made in this regard.
- No public function should be organised for the disbursement of kits or items in kind.
- No political functionary should be involved in the process of disbursement.
As far as possible, the direct electronic transfer of the cash component should be made through the account of the beneficiary, and there should be no distribution of checks in this regard.
In a note, the ECI mentioned that for the past five years, the BRS government has been disbursing the Rabi installments of the Rythu Bandhu scheme between the October and January seasons. Considering the letter from the BRS government seeking permission to distribute the funds of Rythu Bandhu from November 24th and following the conditions issued by the ECI in 2018, the ECI has granted ‘No objection.’
Also Read: Telangana Elections: Where Is The Dalit Representation KCR Promised?
Harish Rao’s Comments on Rythu Bandhu
During recent election campaigns in Palakurthy and Narsampet, Minister Harish Rao addressed the public, making statements regarding the Rythu Bandhu scheme. He announced to the crowd that the Rythu Bandhu funds would be deposited in their accounts on Tuesday morning, before having their morning tea, and said to get ready for that. Minister Rao asserted that even the gods were supportive of the BRS government, emphasising that their efforts were aimed at the well-being of the public. He highlighted that, despite opposition from the Congress, the Election Commission of India (ECI) had granted approval for the disbursement of Rythu Bandhu funds.
— @Coreena Enet Suares (@CoreenaSuares2) November 27, 2023
Congress’s Plea to ECI
Previously, on October 25th, Congress leaders had approached the ECI, requesting that Rythu Bandhu funds be disbursed either before the date of filing nominations or after the completion of polling. Their plea was based on the principle of ensuring a fair election process. Despite Congress’s efforts to halt the scheme, the ECI ultimately gave the green signal to the BRS government, taking into account their adherence to ECI rules in the disbursement process.
BRS blames Congress for stopping Rythu Bandhu
— Naveena (@TheNaveena) November 27, 2023
Harish Rao said “what is the new thing that I spoke about Rythu Bandhu. congress kept application to EC to stop Rythu Bandhu. Congress won’t give instead stops KCR from giving it” https://t.co/6QBf9eFZTA pic.twitter.com/yl6qEfFkeb
Troubleshooter Created Trouble
Harish Rao, referred to as the trouble shooter of the BRS party, has created trouble for the party by allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Rythu Bandhu, a flagship program of the BRS government, provides financial assistance to farmers in both Rabi and Kharif seasons, offering Rs. 5000 per acre with no land-size restrictions. Approximately 70 lakh farmers benefit from this scheme. Congress, pointing to the 2018 assembly elections, claimed that funds were released on polling day, influencing voters. Despite ECI approval, Harish Rao’s words during the election period have put the BRS government at a disadvantage, as he violates the model code of conduct.
[…] Also Read: Telangana Elections: ECI Stops Rythu Bandhu Disbursement Over Harish Rao’s Speech! […]