How Is ECI Cracking Down on Money Power in Bihar Elections?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a decisive move, the Election Commission of India is intensifying efforts to curb the influence of money in the Bihar Assembly elections by seizing over Rs 33 crore in illicit funds. With a comprehensive strategy involving multiple enforcement agencies, will this initiative ensure a fair electoral process? Discover the details of ECI's crackdown.
Key Takeaways
- ECI's directive aims to curb money influence in elections.
- Rs 33.97 crore seized in various forms by enforcement agencies.
- Expenditure Observers are monitoring candidates' expenses.
- Real-time reporting via Election Seizure Management System.
- Public can report violations through the C-Vigil App.
New Delhi, Oct 15 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken a significant step to eliminate the impact of financial influence in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections by issuing a directive to various enforcement agencies.
It has also announced the deployment of Expenditure Observers to oversee the election process.
Since the elections were announced on October 6, enforcement agencies have seized a total of Rs 33.97 crore in cash, liquor, drugs, and other freebies.
The ECI stated, "To mitigate the use of money power, as well as the distribution of freebies, drugs, narcotics, and liquor during the elections, the Commission has issued directives to all enforcement agencies, including the State Police Department, State Excise Department, Income Tax Department, FIU-IND, RBI, SLBC, DRI, CGST, SGST, Customs, ED, NCB, RPF, CISF, SSB, BCAS, AAI, Department of Post, State Forest Department, and State Co-operative Department," as mentioned in their statement.
The poll body highlighted that Expenditure Observers have already been assigned to monitor candidate expenses and have reached their constituencies on the election notification day. They will collaborate with all teams engaged in expenditure monitoring.
Moreover, flying squads, surveillance teams, and video surveillance teams will be active around the clock to detect any suspicious activities related to money power or other inducements aimed at influencing voters.
The Commission has also launched the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS), which enables real-time reporting of seizures made by FSs, SSTs, and other enforcement agencies throughout the election period.
Furthermore, the Commission stressed that enforcement authorities must ensure that ordinary citizens do not face inconvenience or harassment during inspections conducted to enforce these directives.
Members of the public can also report any violations via the C-Vigil App.
Point of View
The Election Commission's proactive measures reflect its commitment to uphold democratic integrity. The deployment of various enforcement agencies and the implementation of the Election Seizure Management System highlight the seriousness of addressing financial misconduct. As a nation, we must support these initiatives to ensure that elections remain a true representation of the people's will.
NationPress
15/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the ECI's crackdown on money power?
The ECI aims to eliminate the influence of financial inducements in the Bihar Assembly elections to ensure a fair electoral process.
How much money has been seized since the election announcement?
Since the announcement on October 6, a total of Rs 33.97 crore has been seized by various enforcement agencies.
What are Expenditure Observers?
Expenditure Observers are officials deployed by the ECI to monitor the election expenses of candidates to prevent financial misconduct.
How can the public report violations?
Members of the public can report any violations of election guidelines through the C-Vigil App.
What measures are in place to monitor the elections?
The ECI has deployed flying squads, surveillance teams, and video surveillance teams to monitor activities during the elections.
