EC tells Telangana govt to stop disbursal of Rythu Bandhu, cites model code

According to an EC source, the Telangana government had been given permission to go ahead with the disbursement during the MCC period, like for other existing Central and state government schemes, on the condition that it would not be publicised for political gains and that the disbursement would not be during the silence period, i.e. the 48 hours preceding the date of poll. The minister’s speech had violated the two conditions, the source said, adding that the disbursement can be done after December 5.

Hours later, the ruling BRS wrote to the panel urging it to reconsider its decision “in the interest of farmers”. It said the EC had been informed that the disbursal of aid would start on November 24 as the rabi season in the state had been advanced. It also said the panel’s assessment that Harish Rao had violated the MCC was “wrongly placed”.

While the BRS said in its letter to the EC on Monday that the scheme was similar to the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and farmers had already received the assistance under it, the source said the announcement of extending the scheme for five years was applicable from January 2024, which is after the MCC period ends on December 5, and the disbursement was not during the silence period.

Harish Rao, addressing a public meeting in Palakurthi, said: “The Congress is promising to give Rs 15,000 per acre. We are already giving Rs 10,000 per acre and will increase it to Rs 16,000 per acre if we come to power. The disbursement will be made on Monday (November 27). Even before farmers have tea and breakfast, the amount will be in their account.”

Revoking the “no objection”, the poll panel said, “In the context of clear violation of MCC and conditions laid down while granting ‘no objection’, the Commission has directed that the permission granted vide its letter dated 25 November, 2023 for disbursement of Rabi season instalment under the ongoing Rythu Bandhu scheme during currency of MCC, shall stand withdrawn immediately and there shall be no disbursement under the Scheme till the MCC in Telangana ceases to apply.”

AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal blamed the “irresponsible” and “narrow, self-serving” approach of the BRS and Harish Rao, for the payments having been withheld. “The money is the right of the farmers and it is what they deserve for their year-long hard work”, he said.

(With ENS, Hyderabad)