Poll Crackdown: Seizures Cross ₹865 Crore in TN, WB
ECI ramps up surveillance as Assembly elections approach
- Seizures worth ₹865 crore recorded in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal
- Cash, drugs, liquor and precious metals seized
- Over 10,000 surveillance and flying squads deployed
- ECI stresses strict MCC enforcement, urges public vigilance
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 17th April: The Election Commission of India on Friday said seizures in poll-bound Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have crossed ₹865 crore as part of intensified enforcement ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
The Commission had announced the election schedule on March 15 for Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, along with bye-elections, and directed strict compliance with the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
According to official data, total seizures include ₹99 crore in cash, drugs worth ₹174 crore, precious metals valued at ₹159 crore, and freebies or other items worth ₹350 crore.
West Bengal accounted for ₹427 crore, while Tamil Nadu recorded ₹438 crore in seizures.
To ensure free and fair elections, the ECI has deployed over 5,011 Flying Squad Teams and 5,363 Static Surveillance Teams across the two states.
These teams are tasked with quick response to complaints, surprise inspections and strict monitoring of illegal inducements.
The Commission said it has held multiple review meetings with senior officials, including Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police, to ensure violence-free and intimidation-free elections.
Authorities have also been instructed to ensure that enforcement actions do not inconvenience ordinary citizens.
The ECI urged citizens and political parties to report violations of the Model Code of Conduct through its C-Vigil platform, reinforcing public participation in ensuring electoral integrity.
