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

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

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

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

What is Rythu Bandhu scheme?

Under 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, 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 financial year 2018-19 by Telangana government for scheme. For 2023-24, allocation has increased to Rs 15,075 crore.

Faceoff over Rythu Bandhu

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

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

BRS blamed "dirty politics" of grand old party and said that scheme is not a poll promise but an ongoing one. "Congress is threatened that 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.