Andhra Pradesh High Court Halts Cash Transfers by YSR Congress Party Until Election Day

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has intervened to halt the ruling YSR Congress Party's direct cash transfers to beneficiaries of government schemes until May 13, coinciding with the state's single-phase election for 175 Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats. Initially allowing disbursal only for today, the court ruled to cease transfers for 72 hours leading up to Election Day, with approximately ₹14,165 crore slated for distribution.

This decision follows a petition filed by student and women beneficiaries of various schemes, echoing concerns raised by opposition parties regarding the continuation of cash transfers amidst the Model Code of Conduct. In response, the Election Commission instructed the suspension of funds until further notice.

Previously, the High Court had permitted beneficiaries to receive benefits from what the YSRCP touted as state welfare schemes operating for several months.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy accused his predecessor, N Chandrababu Naidu, and his alliance partner BJP of attempting to disrupt ongoing Direct Benefit Transfers (DBTs) in the state to tarnish the ruling party's image. Reddy alleged that Naidu, through his sister-in-law D Purandeswari, the state BJP president, sought central intervention to halt DBTs for welfare schemes such as pensions and input subsidies.

Asserting confidence in his party's electoral prospects, Reddy outlined plans to expedite scheme distributions upon reclaiming power, emphasizing the importance of voter participation in the upcoming election on May 13. He urged women, the elderly, and the youth to exercise their voting rights, pledging to amplify their voices through the ballot for the YSR Congress Party.