Election Commission Gives Last Punch To Jagan

The Election Commission has dealt a significant blow to Jagan’s government in the run-up to the AP elections, which are set to commence in less than 100 hours, with polling scheduled for May 13. The EC has shocked the YSR Congress government by ordering the suspension of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) funds issued by the YCP government, thereby exposing Jagan’s tactics. Wondering how? Here’s the story.

During a public meeting four days ago, CM Jagan expressed his disillusionment with the integrity of the elections, citing the halting of funds he disbursed to the public and frequent transfers of officers. He insinuated that the TDP+ alliance, through NDA, was influencing the EC to create adverse situations for him in AP, implying that the alliance was blocking funds intended for the public.

Shortly after, the EC clarified that funds released by the YCP government through DBT must be suspended immediately and could only be disbursed after the election. Going further, the EC questioned the Jagan government about why these transactions weren’t cleared immediately after being initiated. It also questioned why DBT schemes, for which Jagan pressed the buttons months ago, had been pending for several months.

It seems Jagan pressed the button for these DBT schemes months ago but strategically delayed their release to credit funds to beneficiary bank accounts just before the polls. However, the EC detected this plan and ordered an immediate halt. The EC’s decision exposes Jagan’s recent claim that his cash transfer programs were being obstructed.

If Jagan answers the EC’s questions about the delayed release of funds, it could expose the plan to influence voters by releasing funds just before polling, which contravenes the EC’s rules.