Telangana’s Rythu Bandhu Scheme Faces Opposition Amidst Election Commission Tussle
Hyderabad: In a recent twist of political events, the Congress party has taken a contentious stance by lodging a complaint with the Election Commission against the Telangana state government’s initiative to disburse payments under the “Rythu Bandhu” scheme. BRS MLC K Kavitha, a prominent voice in the ruling party, expressed her dismay, denouncing what she termed as the reappearance of the Congress party’s “dirty politics.”
Reacting to the Election Commission’s withdrawal of permission for the disbursement of financial aid to farmers, Kavitha emphasized that the Rythu Bandhu scheme is not merely an election promise but an ongoing commitment to the agricultural community. She underscored, “It is not a new program concocted for the elections but a steadfast initiative.”
The Election Commission’s decision to withdraw permission stemmed from a violation of the model code by a state minister who publicly announced the financial aid for rabi crops under the Rythu Bandhu scheme. This withdrawal has ignited a war of words between the ruling BRS party and the Congress.
Kavitha accused the Congress of consistently targeting the Rythu Bandhu program, highlighting that the BRS government has disbursed a substantial ₹72,000 crore, benefitting 65 lakh farmers over the past ten seasons. She urged the farmers to recognize the Congress as an adversary responsible for delaying payments under Rythu Bandhu and farm loan waivers.
Rythu Bandhu Scheme
The Rythu Bandhu scheme, a lifeline for Telangana farmers, ensures they receive ₹5,000 per season, totaling ₹10,000 per acre annually. However, the Congress, sensing political advantage, has formally requested the Chief Election Commissioner to impose restrictions on the ruling party, preventing any mention of Rythu Bandhu in their poll campaign.
The situation escalated when Telangana Finance Minister T Harish Rao made a public announcement about the imminent release of rabi instalments. He confidently stated, “The disbursement will be made on Monday. Even before the farmers complete their breakfast and tea, the amount will be credited into their account.”
Meanwhile, the Election Commission has issued a notice to the Congress-led Karnataka government, alleging a violation of the model code of conduct by placing government ads in Telangana. The BJP and BRS had flagged this issue, prompting the Election Commission to investigate. The Commission found that no approval had been granted for such ads, leading to a stern rebuke in its notification.
In response, the Karnataka government has been directed to explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged violation by November 28. Additionally, the EC has ordered an immediate halt to the publication of such ads in Telangana and sought an explanation for the lack of disciplinary action against the secretary-in-charge of the department of information and public relations for the reported violations of the poll code of conduct.
As the political drama unfolds, the Rythu Bandhu scheme, designed to uplift the agricultural community, finds itself entangled in a web of electoral maneuvering and accusations, leaving farmers and voters caught in the crossfire.