EC seizes ₹650 Cr in poll crackdown across 5 regions ahead of Assembly elections

With assembly elections approaching, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has intensified enforcement measures across poll-bound regions, seizing over ₹650 crore worth of illegal cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals and other inducements allegedly meant to influence voters .

The seizures, recorded through the Electronic Seizure Management System activated ahead of the poll announcement, reflect a large-scale crackdown on electoral malpractice. To ensure strict monitoring, the Commission has deployed more than 5,173 flying squads to respond swiftly to complaints, alongside over 5,200 static surveillance teams conducting surprise checks and setting up barricades at key locations.

Among the states, West Bengal reported the highest seizures at around ₹319 crore , where the main contest is between the All India Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee and the Bharatiya Janata Party, with additional presence of the Left Front, the Indian National Congress and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen.

In Tamil Nadu, where seizures touched ₹170 crore , the electoral battle is largely between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led alliance and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, with the BJP and newer entrant Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam led by Vijay also in the fray.

In Assam, about ₹97 crore has been seized, with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance facing the Congress and regional players such as the Asom Gana Parishad. Kerala recorded seizures of around ₹58 crore , where the contest remains primarily between the Left Democratic Front and the United Democratic Front, while the NDA and Aam Aadmi Party are also contesting.

In Puducherry, seizures stood at nearly ₹7 crore , with the All India NR Congress aligned with the BJP competing against the Congress-DMK alliance. Polling will be held on April 9 in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry, while Tamil Nadu votes on April 23 and West Bengal goes to polls in two phases on April 23 and 29 , as the Commission aims to ensure free and fair elections under strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.