New Delhi [India], April 22 (ANI): The Election Commission of India (ECI) said Wednesday that officials in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have seized cash, liquor, drugs, and other inducements worth over Rs 1,000 crore a day ahead of Assembly elections in both states.
According to an official press note, the total seizures in the two poll-bound states have reached Rs 1,072.13 crore since the activation of the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS) on February 26.
The poll body said extensive enforcement measures were undertaken to ensure free and fair elections.
“Multiple review meetings were held with the Chief Secretaries, Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs), Directors General of Police (DGPs), and senior officers from the poll-going states and their bordering regions, along with heads of enforcement agencies, directing them to ensure violence-free, intimidation-free, and inducement-free elections,” the statement said.
The ECI emphasized that it has taken proactive steps to tighten surveillance across both states. “Over 5,011 Flying Squad Teams and 5,363 Static Surveillance Teams have been deployed” to monitor suspicious activities and ensure a swift response to complaints, the Commission noted.
Officials added that these teams are conducting surprise checks and setting up checkpoints across key locations. Complaints are being addressed within a strict timeline of 100 minutes.
According to the data, total seizures stood at over Rs 472.89 crore in West Bengal and over Rs 599.24 crore in Tamil Nadu.
In West Bengal, cash seizures stand at Rs 27.48 crore, while liquor confiscations total 3,931,463 liters, valued at Rs 102.45 crore. Drugs worth Rs 108.11 crore have also been seized, alongside precious metals valued at Rs 55.88 crore. In addition, freebies and other inducement-related items account for the largest share, valued at Rs 178.84 crore.
In Tamil Nadu, cash seizures amount to Rs 100.19 crore, while 117,713 liters of liquor have been confiscated, valued at Rs 3.85 crore. Drugs worth Rs 76.72 crore have also been seized, along with precious metals valued at Rs 159.31 crore. Additionally, freebies and other inducements account for the largest share at Rs 259.14 crore.
At the same time, the poll body urged authorities to strike a balance between vigilance and public convenience. “Enforcement authorities should ensure that ordinary citizens are not inconvenienced or harassed during checking and inspection,” the statement said.
The Commission also highlighted the role of citizens and political parties in maintaining electoral integrity, encouraging them to report violations of the Model Code of Conduct through the C-Vigil platform.
The first phase of Assembly elections in West Bengal will be held Thursday, while the second phase is scheduled for April 29. In Tamil Nadu, Assembly elections are also set to take place Thursday. The counting of votes and declaration of results for both states will be conducted on May 4. (ANI)
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