EC pours cold water on Kirans plans

HYDERABAD: The Election Commission, on Wednesday, delivered a jolt to the state government which was eager to conduct Rythu Chaitanya Yatralu from May 10.According to chief electoral officer Bhanwarlal, the government could go ahead and conduct the yatras in a fullfledged manner with the involvement of ministers, MLAs and other public representatives only in districts where there are no byelections.In districts where there are elections, there will be an outright ban on the yatras in constituencies where byelections are due.In constituencies where there are no byelections, chaitanya yatras could be organised with the participation of only officials.Chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy will flag off Rythu Chaitanya Yatralu on Thursday at Christianpally village in Mahbubnagar district.The state government planned the yatras to create awareness among farmers on the use of advanced technology and achieving more yield with less investment.During the yatras, scientists will give farmers technical advice on raising crops.The state had planned to cover about 50,000 habitations during the Ryhtu Chaitanya Yatralu and bring awareness among 50 lakh farmers.The programme will go on till the end of May.