New Delhi, India (November 6, 2024)– In a decisive action to curb electoral malpractice, the Election Commission (EC) has seized over Rs 558 crore worth of cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and freebies during the current election period in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and by-elections across 14 states. This substantial haul reflects the Commission's stringent enforcement to prevent any inducement of voters.
According to an official release, the breakdown of seizures in Maharashtra alone amounts to approximately Rs 280 crore. Seizures in the state include Rs 73.11 crore in cash, liquor worth Rs 37.98 crore, drugs valued at Rs 37.76 crore, precious metals amounting to Rs 90.53 crore, and various freebies estimated at Rs 42.55 crore.
In Jharkhand, where the EC has seized assets totaling nearly Rs 158 crore, officials confiscated Rs 10.46 crore in cash, liquor worth Rs 7.15 crore, and drugs valued at Rs 8.99 crore. Additionally, precious metals worth Rs 4.22 crore and freebies valued at Rs 127.88 crore were also impounded.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar had earlier emphasized the EC’s 'zero-tolerance' policy towards any form of electoral inducement. During a recent meeting with Chief Secretaries, Directors General of Police, Excise Commissioners, and other enforcement officials, Kumar directed all agencies to work in coordination to target the distribution and transportation of illicit cash, liquor, and drugs. The CEC also stressed the need for inter-state cooperation to keep a close watch on border crossings, particularly in regions adjacent to polling states and Union Territories.
The EC has noted a significant increase in enforcement success, with current seizure totals reflecting a 3.5-fold increase compared to the 2019 Assembly elections. In 2019, Maharashtra recorded seizures worth Rs 103.61 crore, a figure far eclipsed by this year’s tally as the Commission doubles down on its election oversight efforts.
This intensified vigilance underscores the EC's commitment to maintaining fair and free elections, as it seeks to dismantle networks involved in illegal inducement practices aimed at swaying voters.
