All you need to know about ECI-Telangana's Rythu Bandhu scheme controversy

A fresh row erupted between the KCR-led BRS government and the Congress over the Election Commission of India's (ECI) decision to withdraw permission that was granted to the Telangana administration to distribute financial aid to farmers for Rabi crops under the Rythu Bandhu Scheme. This decision was taken after the state finance minister Harish Rao violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by publicly discussing the scheme. After the Congress brought it to ECI's notice, BRS hit out at the opposition party, calling it a move to target Telangana farmers.

Telangana Assembly elections will take place on November 30 and the results will be announced on December 3. The Election Commission had permitted the state government to distribute the Rabi instalment under the MCC guidelines on certain conditions and had requested them to keep the disbursement confidential.

However, in a public announcement, Harish Rao reportedly said, "The disbursement will be made on Monday. Even before the farmers complete their breakfast and tea, the amount will be credited into their account."

What is the Rythu Bandhu scheme?

Under the Rythu Bandhu Scheme or Agriculture Investment Support Scheme, financial assistance of Rs 5,000 per acre per farmer each season is directly transferred to each farmer's account. It was launched by BRS in 2018. Since its inception, the funds have been released to farmers 10 times, totalling a amount of over Rs 65,000.

A budget of Rs 12,000 crore was provided for the financial year 2018-19 by Telangana government for the scheme. For 2023-24, the allocation has increased to Rs 15,075 crore.

Faceoff over Rythu Bandhu

The Congress on Monday slammed the BRS over the EC's withdrawal of permission, alleging it was a result of the irresponsible and self-serving approach of the KCR-led party.  

In a post on X, Congress general secretary, organisation, K C Venugopal said, "The BRS’ response to the ECI only confirms the fact that Harish Rao’s statements were the sole reason behind the farmers being denied the Rythu Bandhu instalments. Their flimsy reasoning is not going to fool anyone, and blaming the congress is not going to absolve them either. After having admitted to their folly, they must immediately apologise to the farmers of Telangana for this egregious mistake."

The BRS blamed "dirty politics" of the grand old party and said that the scheme is not a poll promise but an ongoing one. "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," BRS MLC K Kavitha said.