Rythu Bandhu in trouble due to early polls

Rythu Bandhu scheme has landed in trouble, thanks to early polls.The state government readied Rs 5,000 crore to give 58 lakh farmers in November but Opposition parties have strongly objected to the distribution of cash just ahead of the polling, fearing that it would influence voters. 

They have decided to approach the Election Commission against the distribution of cash to beneficiaries before polling.Rythu Bandhu, known to be the pet scheme of caretaker Chief Minister K.Chandrasekhar Rao was launched in May this year to extend Rs 4,000 per acre financial assistance to farmers towards crop investment subsidy. Rs 4,000 per acre should be distributed twice for kharif in May and rabi in November.

The kharif distribution went off smoothly but uncertainty looms large over the distribution in November due to early polls. Kharif distribution went on for three months and Opposition parties are worried that if the rabi season also extends for three months from November, it would impact polling as people will continue to receive money from the TRS government during the entire poll process. Agriculture minister Pocharam Srinivas Reddy said that arrangements had been made to launch the distribution of the amount from November 17. 

Last week, a PIL was also filed in the High Court seeking a stay on the distribution of financial aid to farmers under the Rythu Bandhu scheme in the ensuing rabi season till the completion of Assembly elections.The opposition parties have decided to move the EC against the distribution of money in the midst of polls.