Massive Election Seizures in India Signal Rising Trend

In recent elections across five assemblies in India, seizures worth Rs 1,445 crore were reported. Tamil Nadu led in cash seizures and West Bengal in liquor and drugs. The Election Commission noted a 40.14% increase from 2021 polls, indicating rising inducement efforts. Use of the Election Seizure Management System improved coordination.

Inducements totaling Rs 1,445 crore were seized during the recent assembly elections in India, the Election Commission announced. Tamil Nadu topped the list for cash seizures, while West Bengal led in liquor and drug confiscations.

The latest figures show a 40.14% increase in seizures compared to the 2021 assembly elections held in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. Notably, West Bengal saw a 68.92% increase in seizures, and Tamil Nadu experienced a 48.40% rise.

The Election Commission deployed 376 expenditure observers and over 7,000 surveillance teams to ensure fair elections. An IT platform, the Election Seizure Management System, facilitated inter-agency coordination. The crackdown included cash, drugs, and valuable goods to deter voter inducement, with West Bengal reporting the largest haul.