In the run-up to the tightly contested Telangana election, the Congress's introduction of the 'Rythu Bharosa' scheme is causing chaos and potential law and order issues among farmers.
Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president Revanth Reddy's statements on financial assistance for owners with tenant farmers add to the confusion.
The copied scheme, resembling KCR's Rythu Bandhu, pledges Rs 15,000 to farmers and tenant farmers without clarifying land extent, along with Rs 12,000 to farm laborers without land ownership.
Revanth Reddy's assertion that owners with tenant farmers won't receive Rs 15,000 further muddles the situation.
The lack of legal mechanisms for agreements between landowners and tenant farmers, coupled with the confusing definition of farm laborers, complicates matters.
The deliberate confusion appears aimed at steering farmers away from the ruling BRS party, creating uncertainty in the agricultural landscape.
The Congress president's approach contrasts with KCR's Rythu Bandhu, which benefits only asset owners.
The deliberate confusion could impact less than 5% of the 73 lakh farmers expected to benefit from the Rythu Bandhu's second tranche.
The lack of clarity on farm laborer registration raises concerns about potential misuse by individuals with higher incomes.
While Congress' history in undivided Andhra Pradesh involved compensating farmers for suicide due to crop loss, KCR's approach in Telangana provides insurance to all farmers, irrespective of the cause of death.
This streamlined process, with Rs. 5 lakh insurance credited directly to the nominee's account, has compensated 1,08,040 families with a total of Rs. 5,402 crore since its introduction in Telangana.