Union Minister Criticizes Congress Government Over Scheme Suspension
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, has accused the Congress government of attempting to halt the Rythu Bharosa scheme under the pretext of the election code. He clarified that Rythu Bharosa is an ongoing scheme that should not be stopped due to elections. The minister also argued that the upcoming elections for graduates and teachers have no connection to this agricultural support program. If required, BJP’s state president, Kishan Reddy, will approach the Election Commission to ensure the scheme continues, he added.
Bandi Sanjay demanded an immediate all-party meeting to guarantee that key welfare programs, such as Rythu Bharosa, Indiramma Atmiya Bharosa, ration cards, and housing allocations, proceed without disruptions. He warned that the BJP would not remain silent if these schemes are paused using the election code as an excuse.
To address possible objections from the Election Commission, he proposed that all political parties collectively approach the Central Election Commission to secure approval for depositing Rythu Bharosa funds directly into farmers’ accounts.
The minister expressed concern over the plight of farmers, who have already suffered significant losses due to delays in receiving funds. He noted that rising input costs and a lack of fair crop prices have left farmers in severe distress. Stopping the Rythu Bharosa funds now, he said, would be equivalent to “snatching food from their mouths.”
Bandi Sanjay also criticized the government’s implementation of the Indiramma Atmiya Bharosa scheme. Although the scheme promises Rs 6,000 per acre for agricultural laborers, funds have only been transferred to 20,336 beneficiaries, leaving over 9.79 lakh laborers without support.
Similarly, he highlighted the failure of the government in addressing housing needs. Out of 70 lakh housing applications, 40 lakh people were found eligible, but only 72,406 houses have been sanctioned so far. The minister called out the government for its inability to process the remaining applications and demanded the immediate continuation of the selection process to ensure all eligible individuals receive their benefits.
Bandi Sanjay concluded by urging the government to act swiftly to resolve these issues and uphold its promises to farmers and other beneficiaries of these crucial schemes.
