The Income Tax Department has inaugurated a 24/7 control room in Assam aimed at monitoring the circulation of black money in advance of the forthcoming Legislative Assembly Elections set for April 9, 2026. This initiative is led by the Directorate of Income Tax (Investigation), North Eastern Region, based in Guwahati, and is a collaborative effort with the Election Commission of India to promote fair electoral practices.

Vigilance Against Unaccounted Cash and Valuables

During the Model Code of Conduct period, officials will maintain stringent oversight on the movement of unaccounted cash, gold, precious metals, and other valuables that may be utilized for electoral purposes. The operational control room is situated at Aayakar Bhawan, Christian Basti, GS Road, Guwahati, facilitating easy communication for the public.

Public Participation Encouraged

Citizens are encouraged to report any credible suspicious activities regarding the distribution or movement of cash and valuables. The control room will operate throughout the election process, and residents can share information via dedicated mobile numbers, WhatsApp, landline contacts, and email. The department has emphasized that anonymity will be preserved for informants, with all shared information treated confidentially. However, they also stressed the need for credible and actionable input.

Strengthening Democratic Integrity

This initiative aims to enhance the integrity of the electoral process and mitigate the improper use of undisclosed funds during elections. The Election Commission of India recently detailed the election schedule for four states: Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, along with the Union Territory of Puducherry.

Election Schedule Overview

According to the established timeline, Assam and Kerala are scheduled for polling in a single phase on April 9. Voting in West Bengal will proceed over two phases on April 23 and April 29. Tamil Nadu will hold its elections on April 23, with Puducherry also voting on April 9. The counting of votes for these regions is set for May 4. Overall, the elections will encompass 824 Assembly constituencies with an electorate numbering approximately 17.4 crore voters.

Logistical Preparations for a Smooth Election

Nearly 2.19 lakh polling stations will be established, along with the deployment of about 25 lakh personnel to ensure orderly conduct during the elections. The terms of the current assemblies are set to conclude on different dates: May 20 for Assam, May 7 for West Bengal, May 10 for Tamil Nadu, May 23 for Kerala, and June 15 for Puducherry.

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