The Election Commission of India on Monday has asked the Telangana government to the disbursements of financial aid to farmers for Rabi crops under the Rythu Bandhu Scheme. The move from the poll body has come after state minister T Harish Rao violated the poll code by making a public announcement about it.According to the information, the poll body, in a notification, said that there shall be no disbursement under the scheme till the model code of conduct in the state of Telangana ceases to apply in all its forms.The notification further said that the state minister has not only violated the provisions of MCC but also the conditions laid down as above by publicising the release under the scheme.It is to be noted here that as per the MCC rule, the commission, ministers and other authorities shall not announce any financial grants in any form or promises from the time elections are announced.However, the scheme in the state, which is set to go under polls on November 30, will continue to be a focal point during the ongoing election campaigns of all major political parties. The Election Commission of India further highlighted, “The Commission has no objection to the disbursement of Rythu Bandhu assistance and has further directed that the DBT scheme will not be affected during the silence period and poll day in the state.”Congress trying to trouble Telangana farmers: BRS MLC K KavithaMeanwhile, responding to the stoppage of the Rythu Bandhu Scheme, BRS MLC K Kavitha while speaking to media persons said, Congress has time & again been complaining to EC about the scheme under which in the last 10 seasons the state govt has disbursed about Rs 72,000 cr to 65 lakh farmers across the state. It is not a scheme related to elections at all, but an ongoing program. Congress is threatened that the vote bank of farmers is with BRS, and it is trying to trouble Telangana farmers. This will work against Congress.#WATCH | On EC telling Telangana govt to stop disbursements under Rythu Bandu scheme, BRS MLC K Kavitha says, Congress has time & again been complaining to EC about the scheme under which in the last 10 seasons the state govt has disbursed about Rs 72,000 cr to 65 lakh farmers… pic.twitter.com/n8b9GCj8sU— ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2023
