The flagship scheme ‘Dalit Bandhu’ launched by the Telangana Rashtra Samithi(TRS) government to empower the Dalit community in the state was struct at the crossroads with the Huzurabad by-election. Citing the election code of conduct as a reason, the Election Commission had asked the government to stop the scheme.
After the Huzurabad by-elections were held, there were doubts about the implementation of the Dalit Bandhu scheme in the wake of the MLC elections in the state. The code of conduct came into effect after the schedule for the MLC elections was issued.
As a piece of good news for the beneficiaries of the scheme, Telangana Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Shashank Goel reportedly gave its nod for the scheme and said the scheme can be implemented even as the election code is effective. He said the scheme can be continued as it is an ongoing one.
Having permitted the implementation of the Dalit Bandhu scheme, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) had issued directives to the district Collectors to monitor the political events and gatherings. He made these comments at a review meeting with the Hyderabad electoral registration officers (EROs) the other day. He even said the farmers were permitted to protest.
