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EC Seizes Over Rs 400 Crore in Illicit Inducements in Poll-Bound States

The Election Commission of India has reported seizures worth over Rs 400 crore in poll-bound states and union territories since the announcement of elections. The confiscated items include cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and other freebies, with drugs alone accounting for over Rs 167 crore. To enforce the Model Code of Conduct, the EC has deployed thousands of flying squads and surveillance teams across the states. The Commission also highlighted the effective use of its C-Vigil app, resolving over 70,000 complaints with 95.8% addressed within 100 minutes.

Key Points: EC Seizes Rs 400+ Crore in Poll Inducements

  • Rs 408 crore seized
  • Drugs form largest seizure
  • Over 70,000 MCC complaints resolved
  • 5,173 flying squads deployed
2 min read

EC says, illicit inducements worth over Rs 400 crore seized in poll-bound states

Election Commission reports seizures worth Rs 408 crore, including cash, liquor, and drugs, in states with ongoing assembly elections.

"seized illicit inducements worth over Rs 400 crore - Election Commission of India"

New Delhi, March 26

The Election Commission of India on Thursday said that enforcement agencies have seized illicit inducements worth over Rs 400 crore since the announcement of assembly elections in four states and a union territory and bye-elections earlier this month.

According to the poll body, seizures amounting to Rs 408.82 crore have been made between February 26 and March 25 following the activation of the Electronic Seizure Management System (ESMS). The confiscated items include cash worth Rs 17.44 crore, liquor valued at Rs 37.68 crore (over 16.3 lakh litres), drugs worth Rs 167.38 crore, precious metals worth Rs 23 crore, and other freebies exceeding Rs 163.30 crore.

The ECI had announced the schedule for the legislative assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Puducherry on March 15, along with bye-elections in six states. The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into force immediately thereafter.

To curb electoral malpractices, the Commission has deployed over 5,173 flying squads across poll-bound states and Union Territories to respond swiftly to complaints. Additionally, more than 5,200 Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs) have been stationed to conduct surprise checks at key locations, EC said.

The Commission had also convened a high-level review meeting on March 24 with Chief Secretaries, Directors General of Police, Chief Electoral Officers, and senior officials from senior officers from the 5 poll-going states and UTs and their 12 bordering states and UTs.

Officials were directed to ensure violence-free, intimidation-free, and inducement-free elections through enhanced coordination among enforcement agencies.

Emphasising citizen convenience, the ECI instructed authorities to ensure that routine checks do not lead to harassment of the public. District Grievance Committees have been constituted to address complaints arising from enforcement actions.

Meanwhile, the Commission reported significant public participation through its C-Vigil app, which allows citizens and political parties to report violations of the MCC. Between March 15 and March 25, a total of 70,944 complaints were received, out of which 70,831 were disposed of. Notably, 95.8 per cent of complaints were resolved within 100 minutes, EC said.

A dedicated complaint redressal mechanism is also in place, including a call centre helpline (1950), enabling citizens to directly approach district election authorities with their grievances.

The ECI reiterated its commitment to conducting transparent and inducement-free elections, backed by technology-driven monitoring and swift enforcement action.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
While the seizures are good, this is likely just the tip of the iceberg. Rs 167 crore in drugs alone? That's shocking and shows a different kind of menace in our elections. The EC must keep the pressure on, especially in border areas. Coordination with neighboring states is key.
A
Aman W
Good step by EC. But I have a respectful criticism: the focus seems heavy on seizures after the fact. What about preventing this black money from entering the system in the first place? More scrutiny on unexplained wealth and funding sources of candidates is needed. Still, a positive start.
S
Sarah B
The scale of operations is mind-boggling – over 5,000 flying squads! As an observer, it's reassuring to see such a systematic, tech-driven approach. The instruction to avoid public harassment during checks is also a crucial and thoughtful detail. Transparency builds trust.
V
Vikram M
Over 16 lakh litres of liquor seized! In my state, this is a classic inducement method. Glad the EC is cracking down. Hope the common man realizes that a bottle of liquor or Rs 500 note is worth far less than a 5-year term of bad governance. Jago grahak jago... err, voter jago! 😄
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Nikhil C
The 'other freebies' worth Rs 163 crore is the interesting part. What does that include? Electronics, sarees, pressure cookers? This needs to be publicized more at the grassroots so people know these are illegal tactics. Awareness is half the battle won.

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