Today, On 10th May, The High Court in Andhra Pradesh ordered a suspension to cash transfers until after the upcoming voting day on Monday. This decision comes amidst concerns of potential misuse of funds to influence voters. The court aims to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process in the state.
Hyderabad: The Andhra Pradesh High Court issued an injunction suspending the YSR Congress Party from proceeding with direct cash transfers to recipients of government initiatives until May 13. This date marks the culmination of the single-phase election process for 175 Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats across the state.
This judicial decision followed a brief allowance for fund disbursal, which set to cease during the 72 hours preceding the election day on Monday. An estimated sum of Rs. 14,165 crore poised for distribution.
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This legal directive, a reaction to a petition filed by students and women who are beneficiaries of various state-run programs. The move comes as political opposition had raised concerns about the appropriateness of continuing these financial distributions close to the election period, pointing out potential violations of the Model Code of Conduct. In alignment with these apprehensions, the Election Commission intervened, ordering a suspension to these cash transfers until further evaluations completed, thereby ensuring adherence to the electoral code.
The High Court initially granted permission for the beneficiaries to continue receiving benefits from the state welfare schemes, as stated by the ruling YSRCP, which had been running for several months.
On Tuesday, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy of Andhra Pradesh accused his predecessor, N Chandrababu Naidu, whose party, the Telugu Desam Party, allied with the BJP, of seeking assistance from the central government to hinder the ongoing Direct Benefit Transfers (DBTs) in the state. This alleged action aimed at portraying the ruling party in a negative manner.
During a rally in Rajanagaram, East Godavari, Mr. Reddy accused Mr. Naidu and his sister-in-law, D Purandeswari, who serves as the state BJP president, of soliciting assistance from the central government.
He claimed,
“They are exerting influence on the Election Commission to obstruct the Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) for continuing welfare initiatives of the state, such as pensions and input subsidies,”
Mr. Reddy stated,
“In the last 59 months, we have established a welfare calendar that meticulously schedules monthly distributions of schemes, guaranteeing that our commitments are met promptly. The YSR Congress is set to regain control on June 4, and we plan to accelerate the rollout of all schemes within a week of returning to power.”
Mr. Reddy further emphasized,
“It is crucial for women, seniors, and young people to stay alert. The true power resides in their votes, and they should use it decisively to ensure their concerns reach Delhi.”
He continued to urge the electorate to support the YSR Congress Party in the upcoming May 13 elections.
The court’s intervention prompted by petitions filed by opposition parties, who argued that the ruling party could gain an undue advantage through these cash distributions. The petitioners claimed that the timing of the cash transfers, coinciding closely with the election dates, strategically planned to sway voters, thereby compromising the neutrality expected in an electoral contest.
The outcome of this legal intervention is likely to have significant political and social implications, reflecting on the judiciary’s role in maintaining electoral integrity and the government’s responsibility in managing welfare schemes without influencing electoral outcomes.