The Election Commission (EC) has seized a staggering Rs 558 crore worth of cash, drugs, liquor, precious metals, and other freebies in the ongoing elections in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and by-elections across 14 states. This initiative is part of the EC’s intensified efforts to prevent voter inducement and ensure a fair electoral process, as per an official release.
In Maharashtra, approximately Rs 280 crore has been confiscated since the elections were announced, a sharp increase compared to previous elections. Cash seizures in the state alone amount to Rs 73.11 crore, alongside liquor worth Rs 37.98 crore, drugs worth Rs 37.76 crore, and precious metals worth Rs 90.53 crore. Freebies valued at Rs 42.55 crore were also seized. Jharkhand saw seizures totalling Rs 158 crore, including Rs 10.46 crore in cash, liquor worth Rs 7.15 crore, drugs worth Rs 8.99 crore, precious metals worth Rs 4.22 crore, and freebies amounting to Rs 127.88 crore.
This significant crackdown marks a 3.5-fold increase in seizures compared to the 2019 Assembly Elections, where Maharashtra recorded Rs 103.61 crore and Jharkhand Rs18.76 crore. The increased vigilance is part of a broader “Zero Tolerance” directive issued by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar. During recent discussions with senior state officials and law enforcement agencies, Kumar stressed a collaborative approach involving joint teams from multiple enforcement agencies to curb the flow of illicit items used to sway voter opinions.
To ensure a comprehensive clampdown, the CEC emphasised stringent border surveillance and backward tracing of seized items to identify and dismantle larger networks involved in illicit activities. The EC’s proactive approach aims to deter any form of manipulation in the election process, underlining the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral system.
With the EC’s firm stance on fair elections, these substantial seizures reinforce its commitment to a transparent democratic process, signalling a strong message against illegal voter inducement.
