Poll-bound chief ministers go for populist drive on Independence Day

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Telangana used Independence Day speeches to announce new skilling and housing schemes, increase in allowances and farm loan waivers to top the populist budgets earlier in the year. The CMs of the four states, where assembly elections are due by the yearend, announced new schemes for the youth, women and farmers. A state-wise look at the measures announced:Telangana The big-ticket announcement from all poll-bound states came from Telangana.

Chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao announced waiver of farm loans below ₹1 lakh. The announcement would have a direct impact on 9,02,843 farmers and loans worth ₹5,809.78 crore will be waived off. The announcement addresses KCR's core constituency.

Rao is trying to increase his political footprint in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Chhattisgarh riding on his welfare measures for farmers. The 2008 loan waiver by the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre has been considered instrumental in helping the alliance win a second term.Rajasthan Chief minister Ashok Gehlot's announcements were on measures to address water woes of the desert state and farmers' issues. In his address, Gehlot announced that Ramgarh Dam will be filled with waters of the Isarda Dam under Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project at a cost of ₹1,250 crore.

Also, 53 dams in Dausa, Sawai Madhopur, Karauli, Bharatpur and Alwar districts will be connected to ERCP. This will increase ERCP cost by ₹1,665 crore and will benefit 11 lakh farmers in 13 assembly constituencies. Aware of the political ramifications the recent crimes against women in his state could have on the forthcoming elections, Gehlot announced that those who molest women and girls will not get government jobs.