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Tamil Nadu Polls: ₹1,200 Crore Seized in Pre-Voting Crackdown on Inducements

Election authorities in Tamil Nadu have seized inducements worth over ₹1,200 crore ahead of the state's Assembly polls. The massive haul includes cash, gold, liquor, and narcotics, with Tiruvallur and Chennai districts recording the highest seizures. Over 100 cases have been registered for violations of the Model Code of Conduct, with 105 constituencies under special expenditure vigilance. Officials are deploying enhanced security and observers to ensure free and fair voting, with over two lakh voters already using postal ballots.

Key Points: ₹1,200 Crore Seized Ahead of Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections

  • ₹500+ crore seized by monitoring teams
  • 100+ cases for poll code violations
  • Tiruvallur & Chennai top seizure districts
  • 105 constituencies deemed expenditure-sensitive
  • Over 2 lakh voters used postal ballots
2 min read

₹1,200 cr seized so far in Tamil Nadu as poll authorities intensify crackdown ahead of voting

Election authorities intensify crackdown, seizing over ₹1,200 crore in cash, gold, liquor, and narcotics to ensure fair polling in Tamil Nadu.

"seizures made as part of the ongoing crackdown have crossed ₹1,200 crore so far - Election Officials"

Chennai, April 21

With just days remaining for polling in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled on April 23, election authorities have significantly intensified enforcement measures, leading to the seizure of large quantities of cash, gold, narcotics, liquor, and other inducements across the state. Officials stated that seizures made as part of the ongoing crackdown have crossed ₹1,200 crore so far.

This includes more than ₹500 crore worth of cash and valuables confiscated directly by election monitoring teams, while enforcement agencies such as the Income Tax department and indirect tax authorities have contributed substantially to the total through independent operations.

In addition to cash, authorities have seized considerable quantities of liquor and banned substances, pointing to sustained attempts to influence voters through illegal means.

Reports of inducement distribution, including coupons and freebies, have emerged from several areas, particularly in urban and semi-urban pockets.

Enforcement teams have responded with coordinated action, resulting in the registration of around 100 cases related to violations of the Model Code of Conduct and other electoral laws.

Among districts, Tiruvallur has recorded the highest value of seizures, followed by Chennai, indicating a concentrated focus on key constituencies where electoral competition is intense.

On the preparedness front, officials said that over 95 per cent of voter information slips have already been distributed across the state. Efforts are underway to address gaps identified in certain areas, with instructions issued to ensure near-complete coverage before polling day.

Out of the total 234 Assembly constituencies, 105 have been categorised as expenditure-sensitive, requiring enhanced vigilance.

Additionally, 5,938 polling booths have been identified as critical, with increased deployment of security personnel and surveillance mechanisms to ensure smooth and fair voting.

More than two lakh voters, including senior citizens above 85 years of age and People with Disabilities, have already exercised their franchise through the postal ballot system, reflecting measures to facilitate inclusive participation.

To oversee the electoral process, authorities have deployed a large number of observers, including those monitoring expenditure, general conduct, and law and order.

Security arrangements have also been strengthened with the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces across districts.

Officials reiterated that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure free, fair, and transparent polling across Tamil Nadu.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see such strict enforcement. But this is just the tip of the iceberg, no? So much liquor and cash seized. Imagine how much more goes undetected. We need permanent vigilance, not just during elections. Respect to the officials working hard on this. 🙏
D
David E
As an observer, the scale is mind-boggling. 105 expenditure-sensitive constituencies out of 234? That's nearly half! It speaks volumes about the challenge. The focus on postal ballots for seniors and PwDs is a very positive step for inclusion.
S
Sneha F
Tiruvallur and Chennai top the list. These are always hot seats. Parties think they can win with money power. I hope voters are smarter now and vote for development, not for a bottle of liquor or 500 rupees. Jai Hind!
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Aman W
While the crackdown is impressive, I have a respectful criticism. Only 100 cases registered for such massive seizures? The legal follow-up needs to be as strong as the seizure action. Otherwise, it's just a temporary setback for the wrongdoers.
K
Kavitha C
This money could have built so many schools or hospitals. Instead, it's used to corrupt the system. Feeling very disheartened. But also hopeful that with 95% voter slips distributed, people will come out and vote wisely. Our vote is our power.

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