(Avinash Kumar)
Principal Secretary, Election Commission of India
Election Commission Halts Rythu Bandhu Scheme in Telangana
New Delhi, November 27, 2023:
In a significant development, the Election Commission of India has withdrawn its permission for the disbursement of the Rabi season instalment under the Rythu Bandhu scheme in Telangana, citing a clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and specified conditions.
The Commission, in a letter addressed to the Chief Electoral Officer of Telangana, expressed concern over the statements made by T. Harish Rao, Minister of Finance and Heath & Family Welfare, Govt. of Telangana, and a contesting candidate in the ongoing General Election to the Legislative Assembly. T. Harish Rao, a Star campaigner of the BRS Party, reportedly publicized the release under the Rythu Bandhu scheme, violating the MCC’s Para VII related to the party in power.
The letter highlighted that the Finance Minister not only breached the MCC provisions but also went against the conditions set by the Commission, disrupting the level playing field in the ongoing election process. As a result, the Commission has directed an immediate withdrawal of the permission granted for the disbursement of the Rabi season instalment, emphasizing that no further disbursement under the scheme shall occur until the Model Code of Conduct ceases to apply in the state.
The Chief Electoral Officer of Telangana has been instructed to convey the Commission’s decision to the Government of Telangana promptly. A compliance report is expected to be submitted to the Commission by 15:00 Hours on November 27, 2023.
