ECI STEPS UP VIGIL AHEAD OF ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS, BYPOLLS

New Delhi, Apr 06, 2026 : The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday said seizures related to cash, liquor, drugs and other inducements have crossed Rs.650 crore ahead of the upcoming assembly elections and bypolls across multiple states.

According to the Commission, enforcement agencies have seized assets worth Rs.651.51 crore since the activation of the Electronic Seizure Management System (ESMS) on February 26. The seizures include cash, liquor, narcotics, precious metals and other freebies aimed at influencing voters.

State-wise data shows that West Bengal recorded the highest total seizures at Rs.319 crore, followed by Tamil Nadu with Rs.170 crore, Assam with Rs.97 crore, Kerala with Rs.58 crore, and Puducherry with Rs.7 crore.

The Commission has intensified surveillance measures to ensure free and fair elections in the poll-bound states. Over 5,173 flying squads have been deployed to respond swiftly to complaints, with a mandate to act within 100 minutes. Additionally, more than 5,200 Static Surveillance Teams have been set up to conduct surprise checks at key locations.

The ECI said it has held multiple review meetings with Chief Secretaries, Chief Electoral Officers, Directors General of Police and other senior officials from poll-going states and neighbouring regions, directing them to ensure violence-free, intimidation-free and inducement-free elections in strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct.

At the same time, the Commission has emphasised that enforcement actions should not inconvenience or harass ordinary citizens. District Grievance Committees have been established to address complaints arising from inspections and checks.

Voters and political parties can also report violations of the Model Code of Conduct through the cVIGIL module available on the ECINET platform, the Commission added.