In a bid to curb the influence of financial power used to entice voters in what is often termed the festival of democracy, the Election Commission is taking a rigid stance. Breaking records during the 2024 general elections, the commission has seized illegal money, free gifts, narcotics, and precious metals. They’ve reported that since March 1, they've consistently confiscated assets worth an average of 10 billion rupees or items valued at 100 rupees each day.
Daily Seizure Worth 10 Billion: A Staggering Achievement
According to the Election Commission, ECI has been implementing strict measures against those enticing voters during the general elections. The commission has record-breaking confiscations of illegal cash, free gifts, narcotics, and local treasures. In its 75-year legacy, for the first time, since commencing this campaign across the nation from March 1, the commission has seized assets and goods worth an average of 10 billion rupees daily.
Unwavering Actions by ECI
Since the announcement of elections and even before the first phase of voting commenced, 4650 crore rupees have been seized. This figure is significantly higher than the total seizure during the 2019 general elections. Thanks to the diligent coordination between the general public, income tax, income tax intelligence, customs, excise, local police, and paramilitary forces, the commission aims to continue this robust action.
Tamil Nadu Tops Cash Seizures
The Election Commission also detailed the highest cash seizures: 53 crores from Tamil Nadu, 49 crores from Telangana, 40 crores from Maharashtra, followed by over 35 crores each from Karnataka and Rajasthan.
In the last Lok Sabha elections, 844 crore cash was seized. However, this time, 395 crores have already been confiscated. Similarly, the last elections saw 304 crore worth of liquor being seized. This time, however, alcohol worth 490 crores has already been seized.
The figures for narcotics last time were valued at 1280 crores, but this time, drugs worth 2068 crores have been caught. Free gifts valued at 60.15 crores previously, have now reached a significant 1142 crores in seized goods.
The significance of this rigorous action by the Election Commission exemplifies the need for a clean and fair electoral process, reinforcing the democratic essence of the country.
