Delhi: The Election Commission on Monday withdrew permission given to the Telangana government for disbursements of financial aid to farmers for rabi crops under the Rythu Bandhu Scheme after a state minister violated the provisions of the model code by making a public announcement about it.
The poll panel had given its nod to the state government to disburse the rabi instalment during the model code of conduct period on certain grounds.
The state was asked not to publicise the disbursement during the poll code as part of the condition.
Telangana goes to election on November 30.
The EC informed the state chief electoral officer about its decision to withdraw its permission.
The state finance minister had made a public announcement about the release of disbursements of rabi instalments.
He had reportedly said, “The disbursement will be made on Monday. Even before the farmers complete their breakfast and tea, the amount will be credited into their account”.
BRS reacts; says Congress against farmers
BRS MLC Kalavakuntla Kavitha on Monday slammed Congress after the ECI revoked its permission. She said that Congress has once again proven that it is against farmers.
Speaking to the media on Monday, November 27, Kavitha said, “Rythu Bandhu stopped because of Congress leaders. The scheme is an ongoing program and we disbursed funds for 10 seasons. It was not introduced just before elections. It was not even in the election manifesto.”
Stating that though the BRS legal cell had explained to the EC that it is not a program specified in the election manifesto and secured a permit, Kavitha said that it anti-farmer Congress who ensured that the permit was cancelled.
“They complained to the EC and acted out of insecurity that the farmers were on KCR’s side. Farmers must vote against Congress in order to teach them a lesson,” Kavitha added.
Meanwhile, the election commissioner gave Siddipet BRS candidate Harish Rao permission for Rythu Bandhu. “Now these Congress people complain to the EC. However, need not worry as, after December 3 (the day of counting), every farmer’s phone will ring Rythu Bandhu in their accounts,” he said.
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