₹651 Cr Seized Ahead of Polls, EC Tightens MCC Enforcement
Flying squads, surveillance teams deployed to ensure free and fair elections
- ₹651.51 crore worth seizures reported across poll-bound states
- Over 5,100 flying squads, 5,200 surveillance teams deployed
- West Bengal tops seizures, followed by Tamil Nadu
- ECI stresses strict MCC compliance, quick grievance redressal
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 6th April: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has intensified enforcement measures ahead of Assembly elections, reporting seizures worth ₹651.51 crore across five poll-bound states and Union Territories as part of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) compliance.
The Commission has directed State and UT administrations to ensure strict adherence to the MCC and maintain violence-free, intimidation-free, and inducement-free elections. Multiple review meetings have been held with Chief Secretaries, Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs), Directors General of Police (DGPs), and enforcement agencies.
To strengthen monitoring, over 5,173 flying squads have been deployed to respond to complaints within 100 minutes, while more than 5,200 Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs) are conducting surprise checks at key locations.
According to data from the Electronic Seizure Management System (ESMS) from February 26 to April 5, West Bengal recorded the highest seizures worth ₹319 crore, followed by Tamil Nadu at ₹170 crore. Assam reported ₹97 crore, Kerala ₹58 crore, and Puducherry ₹7 crore.
The seizures include cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and other inducements, indicating heightened vigilance against electoral malpractices.
The ECI has also cautioned enforcement agencies to ensure that routine checks do not inconvenience or harass ordinary citizens. District Grievance Committees have been established to address complaints related to enforcement actions.
Additionally, citizens and political parties have been encouraged to report violations through the C-Vigil mobile application for swift action.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparent and fair elections, with strict monitoring mechanisms in place across all poll-bound regions.
