Record-Breaking Seizures of Over Rs 4,650 Crore Reported Prior to First Phase of Lok Sabha Elections

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has reported seizures totaling more than Rs 4,650 crore before the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections, which is higher than the total seizures made in the 2019 general elections. Enforcement agencies have made a record seizure of over Rs 4,650 crore since March 1st. The ECI is on track for the highest-ever seizures of inducements recorded in the 75-year history of Lok Sabha elections in the country. 

The ECI said that 45% of the seizures were of drugs and narcotics, and the increase in seizures was possible due to comprehensive planning, scaled up collaboration and unified deterrence action from agencies, proactive citizen participation, and optimal engagement of technology. The seizures are a critical part of ECI's resolve to conduct the Lok Sabha elections free of inducements and electoral malpractices to ensure a level playing field. 

The ECI suspended the flying squad team leader in an incident in Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, for laxity in duty and selective checking of a cavalcade of a prominent leader. Similarly, officials checked vehicles in the convoy of the Chief Minister of a state and also the vehicle of a Deputy CM in another state. 

The enhanced seizures reflect ECI's unwavering commitment to monitor inducements and curb electoral malpractices for a 'level playing field,' particularly in favor of smaller and less resourceful parties. This marks a significant increase over Rs 3,475 crore seized during the entire LS elections in 2019.

The polling panel has taken strict action against around 106 government officials who have been found to be assisting politicians in campaigning, thereby violating the model code of conduct (MCC) and instructions. Last month, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar announced the four major challenges, with money power being one of them. 

On April 12th, the CEC along with ECs- Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu reviewed all Central Observers deployed in Phase-1 of elections going to the polls on April 19th. Tightening, monitoring, and checking were among the focus of deliberations to ensure an inducement-free electoral process. 

The ECI is on track for the highest-ever seizures of inducements recorded in the 75-year history of Lok Sabha elections in the country with the General Elections 2024 underway. Enforcement agencies have made a record seizure of over Rs 4,650 crore in the ECI's resolute fight against money power even before the first phase of polling for the 18th Lok Sabha elections commences on Friday," the ECI stated in a communiqué. 

This marks a sharp increase over the Rs 3,475 crore seized during the entire LS elections in 2019.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has reported that 45 percent of the seizures carried out during the Lok Sabha elections are related to drugs and narcotics. The ECI credits this success to comprehensive planning, increased collaboration, unified deterrence action from agencies, proactive citizen participation, and optimal use of technology. The seizures are a crucial part of the ECI's efforts to conduct free and fair elections and to ensure a level playing field for all candidates, particularly those from smaller and less resourceful parties. 

The ECI has suspended the leader of a flying squad team in Tamil Nadu for failing to perform their duty and for selectively checking the convoy of a prominent leader. The Commission also checked the vehicles in the convoy of the Chief Minister of a state and the vehicle of a Deputy CM in another state. These actions demonstrate the ECI's commitment to monitor inducements and curb electoral malpractices. 

The ECI has taken strict action against approximately 106 government servants who have been found to be assisting politicians in campaigning, thereby violating the model code of conduct (MCC) and instructions. The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Rajiv Kumar, has identified money power as one of the key challenges faced by the ECI in conducting free and fair elections. 

Recently, the CEC, along with ECs Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, reviewed all Central Observers deployed in Phase-1 of the elections, which are scheduled to take place on April 19. The focus of the review was on tightening monitoring and checking to ensure a clean and fair electoral process.