Poll panel plans ‘flying squads’ to curb money power in Assembly elections
The ECI was alerted when Rs 94 lakh was found abandoned in an intercepted vehicle during the by-elections to Mansa Assembly constituency which the Congress wrested from the BJP, recently.
Free distribution of cash, liquor and such other goodies are known practices in the state in almost all the elections, but this time it might be different. As per the new instructions of the Election Commission of India (ECI), use of black money will be strictly monitored and if any candidate found guilty keeping or using black money will face strict police actions.
Gujarat's Chief Electoral Officer(CEO) Anita Karwal, told The Indian Express, “For the first time as per the new instructions of the ECI, there will be flying and static surveillance team which will monitor illegal cash transactions. The flying squads will have power to intercept any vehicle or raid any premises where there is suspicion of unaccounted money meant for elections are kept. The Income Tax officials will lead these teams. If the seized money found to be related to any contesting candidate police action will be initiated.”
Karwal further said, “Recently, during the by-election of Mansa Assembly constituency in Gandhinagar, total around Rs 94 lakh were seized during random checking of intercepted suspected vehicles by the flying squads. The money had been seized by the I-T officials. However,
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