In a significant move to maintain electoral integrity, officials in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have seized cash, liquor, drugs, and other inducements worth over Rs 1,000 crore. This action comes just a day before the Assembly elections set to take place in both states. The Election Commission of India (ECI) reported these findings on April 22, following rigorous enforcement measures aimed at ensuring free and fair voting.

According to an official press note from the ECI, total seizures have amounted to Rs 1,072.13 crore since the activation of the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS) on February 26. Officials noted that extensive measures had been reviewed with Chief Secretaries, Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs), Director Generals of Police (DGPs), and senior officials from the respective states, as well as neighbouring Union Territories. This collaborative effort is part of a broader strategy to ensure that elections are devoid of violence, intimidation, and inducements.

The ECI highlighted the deployment of over 5,011 Flying Squad Teams and 5,363 Static Surveillance Teams across both states. These teams are tasked with monitoring suspicious activities and are equipped to respond swiftly to complaints. Surprise checks and checkpoints have been established at key locations to maintain vigilance during the electoral process.

Breakdown of Seizures in Each State

Data released indicates that West Bengal has reported total seizures exceeding Rs 472.89 crore, while Tamil Nadu has seen seizures surpassing Rs 599.24 crore. In West Bengal, cash seized amounted to Rs 27.48 crore, and the volume of liquor confiscated reached 39,31,463 litres, valued at Rs 102.45 crore. Furthermore, drugs worth Rs 108.11 crore have been seized, alongside precious metals valued at Rs 55.88 crore. Notably, items categorised as freebies and other inducements accounted for the largest share, valued at Rs 178.84 crore.

In Tamil Nadu, cash seizures stood at Rs 100.19 crore. Authorities confiscated 1,17,713 litres of liquor, estimated at Rs 3.85 crore. Additionally, drugs valued at Rs 76.72 crore were seized, along with precious metals valued at Rs 159.31 crore. The category of freebies and other inducement-related materials constituted the most significant share at Rs 259.14 crore.

Call for Balanced Enforcement Measures

The Election Commission has called on enforcement agencies to strike a balance between vigilance and public convenience. It underscored the necessity for authorities to avoid inconveniencing or harassing ordinary citizens during inspections and checks. The ECI has also reiterated the importance of citizen participation and has encouraged political parties to report any violations of the Model Code of Conduct through the C-Vigil platform.

The first phase of the Assembly elections in West Bengal is set for April 23, while the second phase will be conducted on April 29. Similarly, Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu are scheduled for the same date. The counting of votes and subsequent declaration of results for both states will occur on May 4, marking a crucial moment in the democratic process in the region.

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