THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, Nov 27: The authorization granted to the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) administration in Telangana to provide financial aid to farmers for cultivating their rabi crops under the Rythu Bandhu program was revoked by the Election Commission (EC) on Monday. A state minister’s public remarks on the initiative were noted by the poll commission as a breach of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
The Rythu Bandhu scheme was introduced in 2018 and provides cash grants of Rs 5,000 per acre for a crop season to help farmers increase agricultural output and prepare for unforeseen circumstances.
EC had asked Telangana not to publicise distribution
Under a few conditions, the EC granted the Telangana government “no objection” to the distribution of financial aid to farmers for the growth of their rabi crops from October to January. The Election Commission asked the state government not to promote or publicise the distribution once the Model Code of Conduct was implemented.
T Harish Rao’s remarks breached poll code
The election board noted the remarks made by BRS contender T Harish Rao, the state finance minister, about the distribution of funds under the Rythu Bandhu scheme. According to EC, the minister’s comments “disturbed the level-playing field in the election process” and breached the poll code.
No payment till MCC in effect
The Election Commission directed the Telangana government to refrain from making any payments under the scheme until the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) no longer applies in the state in any way. The state government is required to submit a compliance report by 3 pm today.
Telangana polls on Nov 30
Telangana, with its 119 assembly seats, is scheduled for elections on November 30. Involving the BRS, the Congress, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the upcoming electoral competition is anticipated to be a highly competitive three-way race.
