EC seizes record ₹4,650 cr in illicit cash, goods before polls
Compared to 2019 Lok Sabha election, cash seizures rose by 114% and liquor by 61%
The Election Commission of India (EC) on Monday announced a record haul of inducements ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. A staggering ₹4,650 crore in cash, drugs, liquor, precious metals, and freebies was seized between 1 March and 13 April. This marks a 34% increase from the ₹3,475 crore seized during the entire 2019 election campaign.
Compared to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the current seizures show significant increases across all categories. Cash seizures rose by 114%, while liquor and precious metal seizures rose by 61% and 43% respectively. Drug seizures saw a whopping 62% increase, at ₹2,068 crore.
“Enforcement agencies have made a record seizure of over ₹4,650 crore in ECI’s resolute fight against money power even before the first phase of polling for the 18th Lok Sabha elections commences on Friday,” The EC said in a statement.
The commission attributed the increase in enforcement to deployment of advanced technologies, such as the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS), and the collaboration of multiple enforcement agencies both at the central and state levels.
The EC has identified 123 Parliamentary constituencies as expenditure-sensitive, nd ramped up vigilance efforts by deploying 781 expenditure observers to monitor them. Additionally, it took “strict action” against 106 government servants, who were “assisting politicians in campaigning” in violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
“The seizures reflect ECI’s unwavering commitment to monitor inducements and curb electoral malpractices for a ‘level playing field’, particularly in favour of smaller and less resourceful parties,” stated chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar in the statement.
The poll body said vigilance efforts were underway since the beginning of the year, and countrywide seizures in January and February totalled another ₹7,502 crore in cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals and freebies. “This brings the total seizure to over ₹12,000 crore so far, with six weeks still left in the election period.” Rajasthan recorded the highest seizures among all states at ₹778 crore.
alka.jain@htdigital.in
The commission attributed the rise in enforcement to deployment of advanced technologies and the collaboration of multiple agencies