Ravanth Reddy and Congress Party says Harish Rao Stopped Rythu Bandhu Payout in Telangana, Stoppage of Rythu Bandhu Scheme Violation of MCC and allied conditions Commission had put forth follow’, conditions vide direction dated 24 November 2023 while approving the release of disbursement under the Rythu Bandhu scheme during the General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Telangana State, But on 26 November 2023, Harish Rao in Public meeting told that on 28th November 2023 All the farmers will get money in their bank accounts. Which is the Violation of the election code.
Telangana Elections 2023: Unraveling the Rythu Bandhu Scheme Controversy
In the midst of Telangana’s political landscape, the Rythu Bandhu Scheme has become the epicenter of a heated controversy. Allegations and counter-allegations have been flying, with key figures like Minister T. Harish Rao and TPCC chief A. Revanth Reddy taking center stage. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this unfolding drama that has captured the attention of both farmers and political pundits.
Harish Rao’s Alleged Role
A. Revanth Reddy, in a bold assertion, has pointed fingers at Minister T. Harish Rao, claiming he is responsible for the abrupt halt in the Rythu Bandhu disbursements. The Election Commission, too, has echoed this sentiment, citing statements made by Mr. Harish Rao as the catalyst for withdrawing permission to provide financial support to farmers under the Rythu Bandhu Scheme.
The Rythu Bandhu Scheme: A Brief Overview
To comprehend the significance of this controversy, it’s imperative to understand the Rythu Bandhu Scheme itself. Launched by the Telangana government in 2018, this Agriculture Investment Support Scheme aimed to provide direct financial assistance to farmers. The abrupt cessation of disbursements has raised eyebrows and ignited a political firestorm.
Revanth Reddy’s Assurance
Amidst the chaos, TPCC Chief Revanth Reddy sought to allay farmers’ concerns. In a tweet posted on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), he assured farmers that the Congress party, if elected, would swiftly provide ₹15,000 within ten days after assuming power on December 9. This promise adds a layer of anticipation to the upcoming elections.
Venugopal’s Critique
K.C. Venugopal, All India Congress Committee General Secretary, joined the chorus of criticism against Harish Rao and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). He attributed the Election Commission’s denial of permission to the “irresponsible and narrow self-serving approach” of the BRS and Mr. Harish Rao, allegedly acting under the instructions of BRS chief KCR.
The Larger Political Landscape
This controversy extends beyond the immediate concerns of farmers. It highlights the political maneuvering and power play leading up to the Telangana Assembly Elections in 2023. The intertwined relationships between key political figures and their alleged impact on the welfare of farmers create a complex narrative.
No new beneficiaries should be added to the list of eligible beneficiaries; No publicity should be made in this regard: No public function should be organized for the disbursement of kits/interns in kind: No political functionary will be involved in the process of disbursement and; As far as possible direct electronic transfer of cash component should be made through the account of the beneficiary and there should be no distribution of chNues in this regard.
It is noted that the State of Telangana disbursed Rabi installments of Rythu Bandhu assistance during October-January in the last five years and there is neither any fixed date.) of disbursement prescribed in the scheme, nor a, special significance of disbursement in the month of November is assigned in design or performance of the scheme.
The Government of Telangana vide its letter no. 6088/Agri.II (11/2023 dated 18.11.2023 flad inform. to the Commission that the disbursement of Rythu Bandhu assistance is proposed from 24 November 2023 during the MCC period in the ongoing election process in full compliance with the conditions mentioned in the Commission’s letter dated 5. Oct, 2018. The Commission vide its letter of event dated 28 November 2023 has given ‘no objection’ for disbursement of Rythu Bandhu assistance in the State of Telangana with conditions that the Govt. of Telangana will follow the instructions contained in the Commission’s direction vice
its letter dat. 5′. October, 2018 and no DDT assistance will be affected during the silence period and poll day in the State. Above said ‘no objection’ was granted, bas. on the premise that the said scheme is an ongoing scheme and Rabi installments were disbursed during October-January in the past five years. 4. Needless to say, Model C.e of Conduct is applicable in the State of Telangana and all concerned are required to comply with the Model C.e of Conduct. Relevant para of M.el C.e of Conduct is as follows:
Para VII. Party in Power Para 6: From the time elections are announced by Commission, Ministers, and other authorities shall not-(a) announce a, financial grants in any form or promises thereof;
5. The Commission has been now informed vide your letter no. 7022/Elections. A/A I /2023 dat. 26.11.2023 that Sh. T. Harish Rao, Minister of Finance and Heath & Family Welfare, Govt. of Telangana has made statements regarding disbursement of the Rythu Bandhu Scheme by a particular time before the date of the poll, which is widely reported in newspapers and local media on 26′. November 2023. The Commission has observed that Sh T. Harish Rao, Minister of Finance and Health Family Welfare, Govt. of Telangana who is also a contesting candidate sponsored by the BRS Party from 33- Siddipet Assembly Constituency in ongoing GE to LA Telangana 2023, a Star campaigner of the Party and also the Finance Minister of Telangana, has not only violated the provisions of MCC contained in Para VII of M.el Code of Conduct but also .nditions laid down as above by publicizing the release under the scheme, and thereby disturbed the level playing field in the on-going election process.
In the context as above of clear conditions laid down while granting ‘no that the permission granted vide its lette disbursement of Rabi scason installment during the currency of MCC, shall stand wi disbursement under the Scheme till th Telangana ceases to apply in all its immediately be convey. to the Govt. o and submitted to the Commission by 15-violation of Model Code of Conduct and objection’, the Commission has direct. r of even no dated 25′. November, 2023 for under the ongoing Rythu Bandhu scheme thdrawn immediately and there shall be no e Model Code of Conduct in the State of form. The Commission’s decision shall f Telangana and the compliance report taken 00 flours on 2, November. 2023.
