New Delhi [India], after taking cognizance of attempts by Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to violate the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by making statements and taking credit for the distribution of Rab installments under the ongoing 'Rythu Bharosa' scheme. According to media, the Election Commission of India on Tuesday ordered the postponement of undistributed installments till March 13. This decision comes in response to inexplicable and unusual delays in the disbursement process, which typically occurs in the month of November-December, as well as due to concerns over On attempts to politicize the ongoing scheme during Janara elections 2024, Election Commission officials said there has been a gross MCC violation by the Telangana Chief Minister by linking the distribution of Rabi installments under the 'Raitha Bharosa' scheme to his public announcements. Such actions are considered an attempt to influence voters and distort the level playing field. It is noteworthy that similar instructions were issued for the Rythu Bandhu scheme during the Telangana Assembly elections in 2023. In that instance, a minister in the previous BRS government had violated the MCC by attempting to take credit for the delivery of the scheme during the election period. In view of these concerns, the ECI has directed for a moratorium and a direction has been issued to the Telangana government.

Officials said the decision is aimed at ensuring the integrity of the electoral process and preventing misuse of government schemes for electoral gains. Any attempt to politicize or exploit such government schemes for electoral purposes will be dealt with firmly to maintain the sanctity of the democratic process.