NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has reported an extraordinary crackdown on electoral malpractices in the ongoing state legislative elections across Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and several bye-polls. Enforcement agencies have seized over Rs. 1000 crore worth of cash, liquor, drugs, and other inducements in a determined effort to ensure free and fair elections. This massive surge in seizures marks a significant escalation compared to previous years, with Maharashtra and Jharkhand accounting for a record amount of these illegal materials.
As of mid-November 2024, the seizures in these two states alone have reached a staggering Rs. 858 crore, which is approximately seven times the amount seized during the 2019 Assembly elections. In 2019, Maharashtra recorded seizures worth Rs. 103.61 crore, while Jharkhand saw Rs. 18.76 crore in illicit materials confiscated. This year’s figures indicate a far more aggressive and efficient operation by the Election Commission’s enforcement teams.
A significant focus of this crackdown has been on narcotics and psychotropic substances, which have accounted for nearly 45% of all seized materials. These substances, along with cash and liquor, are often used to influence voters, undermining the integrity of elections. The recent data also highlights a sharp rise in the trafficking and consumption of these substances, particularly in states that were previously considered transit zones.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has underscored the importance of “precise intel-based collaborative efforts” to tackle the nexus of black money and drug trade influencing elections. In addition to traditional law enforcement, the Election Commission has worked closely with agencies such as the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), and local police forces to ensure that illegal inducements are intercepted and removed from the electoral process.
The Election Commission’s actions also encompass other forms of inducements, such as precious metals and expensive gifts, which have been seized across various constituencies. These efforts are aimed not only at protecting the sanctity of elections but also at preventing the misuse of money and resources to sway voters.
With just a single day left before the conclusion of the elections, the ECI has pledged to maintain heightened surveillance, ensuring that no further attempts to influence voters through illicit means go unnoticed. The crackdown signals a strong commitment by the Election Commission to uphold the democratic process.
For press note released by ECI, Click ” HERE “
Source: ECI, NEW DELHI
Web Team, C6N
 has reported an extraordinary crackdown on electoral malpractices in the ongoing state legislative elections across Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and several bye-polls. Enforcement agencies have seized over Rs. 1000 crore worth of cash, liquor, drugs, and other inducements in a determined effort to ensure free and fair elections.){kind=link}