The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the Telangana government to postpone the disbursement of the remaining installment under the 'Rythu Bharosa' scheme until after the completion of Lok Sabha elections. This decision comes after Chief Minister Revanth Reddy of the Congress party allegedly violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by publicly announcing the schedule for payments under the scheme.
In a letter addressed to the Telangana Chief Electoral Officer, the Election Commission pointed out that Revanth Reddy's public statements regarding the disbursement of payments breached the model code of conduct. The Commission instructed that the balance installment under the Rythu Bharosa scheme for the Rabi season of 2023 should only be distributed after the completion of polling in the state on May 13, 2024.
During an election rally, Revanth Reddy had assured that the Congress government in Telangana would implement the Rythu Bharosa scheme for all farmers of the state by May 9. He even challenged BRS chief K Chandrashekar Rao for a debate on the scheme, emphasizing his commitment to its implementation.
Meanwhile, KCR criticized the Congress government for allegedly neglecting the 'Rythu Bandhu' scheme implemented during the BRS regime after coming to power in Telangana.
It is noteworthy that all 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana are scheduled for polling in the fourth phase on May 13.
