Bengal Poll Seizures Cross ₹510 Crore, Surpass 2021 Record
Election Commission intensifies crackdown on cash, liquor, drugs and inducements during Assembly polls
- Election Commission of India reports ₹510 crore seizures in Bengal
- Poll-related seizures exceed 2021 election record
- Massive crackdown on illicit cash, liquor, drugs and freebies
- Over 5,800 surveillance and enforcement teams deployed
GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 27th April: The Election Commission of India on Sunday announced that seizures linked to inducements and illegal election-related materials in West Bengal have crossed ₹510 crore during the ongoing 2026 Assembly elections.
According to official data, the total seizure figure of ₹510.10 crore significantly surpasses the ₹339 crore recorded during the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections.
The seizures include ₹30 crore in cash, over 48 lakh litres of liquor valued at ₹126.85 crore, drugs worth ₹110.12 crore, precious metals valued at ₹58.28 crore and freebies or other inducements worth ₹184.85 crore.
To enforce strict compliance with the Model Code of Conduct, the Election Commission has deployed more than 2,728 Flying Squad Teams and 3,142 Static Surveillance Teams across poll-bound regions.
These teams are conducting surprise checks, monitoring movement of illicit materials and acting on complaints within strict timelines to ensure free, fair and intimidation-free elections.
The intensified crackdown is part of the Commission’s broader strategy to curb voter inducement, illegal funding and electoral malpractice.
The record seizures highlight the scale of enforcement measures underway as West Bengal undergoes one of its most closely monitored Assembly elections in recent years.
The Election Commission has reiterated its commitment to violence-free and transparent electoral processes across all poll-bound states.
