Election Commission directs Telangana to halt farmers Aid after code violation

In a decisive move, the Election Commission (EC) on Monday rescinded the approval granted to the Telangana government for disbursing financial aid to farmers under the Rythu Bandhu Scheme for rabi crops. This action was taken in response to a breach of the model code of conduct by State Minister T Harish Rao, who publicly announced the disbursement, disregarding specified conditions.

Despite the EC initially granting permission for the rabi installment distribution during the model code of conduct period, the state was explicitly instructed not to publicize the disbursement as part of the conditions set forth.

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With Telangana scheduled for polls on November 30, the EC, in a letter addressed to the state chief electoral officer (CEO), expressed its observation that Minister T Harish Rao had not only violated the provisions of the model code of conduct (MCC) but also the specified conditions, disturbing the level playing field in the ongoing election process.

The EC promptly informed the state CEO about its decision to withdraw the granted permission, citing the finance minister’s public announcement regarding the release of rabi instalments. Minister Harish Rao had reportedly stated, “The disbursement will be made on Monday. Even before the farmers complete their breakfast and tea, the amount will be credited into their account.

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The EC’s directive, as outlined in its letter dated November 25, 2023, emphasized the immediate withdrawal of permission for disbursement under the Rythu Bandhu scheme during the currency of the model code of conduct in Telangana. It explicitly stated that there would be no further disbursement until the Model Code of Conduct ceased to apply in all its forms.

Additionally, the poll panel instructed the CEO to communicate these decisions to the state government and submit a compliance report by 3 pm on Monday.

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The EC had initially granted a ‘no objection’ with the understanding that the Rythu Bandhu Scheme was ongoing, and rabi instalments had been traditionally disbursed during the October-January period in the past five years. However, the recent violation prompted the EC to take swift and stringent action to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.