The Election Commission, in a recent development, has withdrawn its approval for the disbursement of the Rabi season instalment under the Rythu Bandhu scheme in the State of Telangana. This decision comes as a response to clear violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by Sh. T. Harish Rao, Minister of Finance and Heath & Family Welfare of the Telangana government.
The Election Commission had earlier granted permission for the disbursement of the Rythu Bandhu assistance during the ongoing election period, provided the state government adhered to specific conditions outlined in the Commission’s directive dated October 5, 2018. These conditions included restrictions on the addition of new beneficiaries, publicity, organizing public functions, political involvement, and emphasized direct electronic transfers instead of cheque distribution.
However, the Commission observed that Sh. T. Harish Rao, who is a candidate in the ongoing General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Telangana 2023, and also a key figure within the government, had violated the MCC. His statements in local media regarding the disbursement of the Rythu Bandhu Scheme before the polling date were deemed a direct violation of the MCC’s provisions.
These actions by Sh. T. Harish Rao were seen as detrimental to the fair play of the ongoing election process, prompting the Election Commission to rescind its earlier permission for the Rythu Bandhu scheme disbursement.
In light of these clear breaches of the Model Code of Conduct and the conditions specified during the approval, the Election Commission has directed an immediate withdrawal of the previously granted permission for the Rythu Bandhu scheme disbursement during the MCC period. The Commission has mandated a cessation of any disbursement under the scheme until the Model Code of Conduct no longer applies in the State of Telangana.
The Election Commission’s decision demands prompt communication to the Government of Telangana, with a compliance report expected to be submitted to the Commission by 15:00 Hours on November 27, 2023. This move signifies the Election Commission’s commitment to upholding the integrity and fairness of the electoral process and ensuring adherence to the stipulated norms laid out in the Model Code of Conduct.