BRS faces setback as EC withdraws approval for fund disbursement under Rythu Bandhu Scheme

K Chandrashekar Rao's Bharat Rashtra Samithi faced a setback as the Election Commission (EC) revoked the approval granted to the Telangana government for distributing financial assistance to farmers for rabi crops through the Rythu Bandhu Scheme.

The Election Commission’s decision was prompted by a state minister's violation of the model code, as a state minister publicly made the disbursement of funds in the poll-bound state. "The disbursement will be made on Monday. Even before the farmers complete their breakfast and tea, the amount will be credited into their account,” said the state Minister.

In response, the Election Commission revoked the permission granted to BRS. "The Commission has observed that T Harish Rao, Minister of Finance and Heath and Family Welfare, Govt of Telangana ... has not only violated the provisions of MCC (model code of conduct)... but also conditions laid down as above by publicizing the release under the scheme, and thereby disturbed the level playing field in the ongoing election process… The Commission has directed that the permission granted vide its letter dated  November 25, 2023, for disbursement of rabi season installment under the ongoing Rythu Bandhu scheme during currency of MCC, shall stand withdrawn immediately and there shall be no disbursement under the Scheme till the Model Code of Conduct in the State of Telangana ceases to apply in all its form,” said the EC.

The Election Commission had initially approved the Telangana government led by KCR to distribute the rabi crop installment during the model code of conduct period, subject to certain conditions. As part of these conditions, the state was explicitly instructed not to publicize the disbursement during the election code period, with Telangana heading to the polls on November 30. However, the Election Commission, in a subsequent decision, informed the state chief electoral officer about the withdrawal of its permission.  

The state agriculture department estimated that 70 lakh farmers would benefit from Rythu Bandhu during the Yasangi (rabi) season. The Election Commission granted approval on November 24 for the state government to distribute funds under the Rythu Bandhu Scheme before November 28.  Following this decision, the Congress on Sunday appealed to the Chief Election Commissioner to impose restrictions on the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), urging them not to reference the disbursement of Rythu Bandhu funds in their election campaign. In a letter to CEC Rajiv Kumar, the Congress claimed that BRS leaders were exploiting the EC's approval as a means to influence voters, portraying the disbursement as a personal contribution.