Over Rs 865 Crore Seized by ECI in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal Before Assembly Elections
Synopsis
The Election Commission of India has announced significant seizures of illicit assets exceeding Rs 865 crore in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. These measures aim to ensure transparent and fair elections ahead of the Assembly polls.
Key Takeaways
Rs 865 crore seized in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
Enforcement agencies are ensuring inducement-free elections.
Deployment of 5,011 Flying Squads for monitoring.
Public encouraged to use cVIGIL App for reporting violations.
Commitment to fair and peaceful elections .
New Delhi, April 17 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) disclosed on Friday that law enforcement agencies have confiscated illegal cash, liquor, drugs, and various freebies totaling more than Rs 865 crore in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in anticipation of the upcoming Assembly elections.
An official announcement revealed that the Commission has ramped up surveillance and enforcement efforts to guarantee free, fair, and inducement-free elections in both regions.
The ECI indicated that it has held numerous review sessions with Chief Secretaries, Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs), Directors General of Police (DGPs), and senior officials from the election-bound states, along with law enforcement agencies, to ensure strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
To enhance on-ground monitoring, the Commission has dispatched 5,011 Flying Squads and 2,283 Static Surveillance Teams throughout Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. These teams are responsible for addressing complaints within 100 minutes and conducting surprise inspections at various sites.
Moreover, 5,363 Flying Squads have been assigned to West Bengal and 2,221 to Tamil Nadu to combat illegal inducements. The Election Seizure Management System (ESMS), initiated on February 26, has played a crucial role in monitoring and documenting these seizures.
According to data provided by the Commission, West Bengal has reported confiscations amounting to Rs 427 crore, which includes cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and freebies. Tamil Nadu has seen seizures totaling Rs 438 crore, bringing the overall total to Rs 865 crore.
The Commission also stressed that enforcement actions must not disrupt the lives of ordinary citizens. District Grievance Committees have been established to address complaints related to enforcement checks.
Additionally, citizens and political entities are urged to report breaches of the Model Code of Conduct via the cVIGIL App, accessible on ECINET, which serves as a user-friendly mobile platform for both citizens and ECI officials.
The ECI reaffirmed its dedication to facilitating peaceful, intimidation-free, and inducement-free elections across all states preparing for polls in the country.
Point of View
The Election Commission's proactive measures to curb illicit activities are commendable. The significant seizures underscore the Commission's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, ensuring that citizens can participate in a free and fair election.
NationPress
3 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total amount seized by ECI in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal?
The Election Commission of India has seized illicit assets worth over Rs 865 crore.
What types of items were seized?
The seized items include cash, liquor, drugs, and various freebies.
How is the ECI ensuring fair elections?
The ECI is intensifying surveillance and deploying Flying Squads to monitor compliance with the Model Code of Conduct.
What is the purpose of the cVIGIL App?
The cVIGIL App allows citizens and political parties to report violations of the Model Code of Conduct easily.
What measures are in place to address citizen complaints?
District Grievance Committees have been established to handle complaints related to enforcement checks.
