In a major setback to the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi, the Election Commission has categorically said that it has not accorded permission for distribution of sarees to women under Bathukamma sarees scheme.
The Commission, in its communication addressed to the Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar, said: “The Commission has not permitted the distribution of sarees on the occasion of Bathukamma festival on October 12.”
The letter, addressed by EC Under Secretary K.P. Singh, was written in response to Mr. Rajat Kumar’s request to the Commission on September 28 seeking clarification on the implementation of the scheme. The order of the Commission assumes significance as another scheme Rythu Bandhu involving cash transfer of ₹ 4,000 an acre to more than 50 lakh farmers under the investment support scheme has also been referred to the EC.
The opposition parties complained that direct cash transfer to farmers’ accounts could have an impact on the poll prospects.
