Election watch intensifies in TN and WB, seizures touch ₹865 crore mark

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has intensified its enforcement actions in the run up to the 2026 Assembly elections, with total seizures in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal crossing ₹865 crore so far, according to official data.

The Commission, which had already conducted elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, has stepped up surveillance and enforcement measures to ensure strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), aiming to maintain violence free and inducement free electoral processes.

To strengthen monitoring, over 5,011 Flying Squad Teams and 5,363 Static Surveillance Teams have been deployed across the two states, enabling rapid response to complaints and surprise checks.

Since the activation of the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS) on 26 February 2026, seizures include cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals and freebies.

In West Bengal, the total seizure stands at ₹427 crore , including ₹21 crore cash and significant recoveries across other categories. Tamil Nadu reported seizures worth ₹438 crore , with higher contributions from cash, precious metals and other inducements.

Combined figures show ₹99 crore in cash, over 32.9 lakh litres of liquor, ₹174 crore worth of drugs, ₹159 crore in precious metals and ₹350 crore in freebies and other items.

The Commission also reiterated that enforcement must not inconvenience citizens, with grievance committees set up for complaints. Citizens can also report violations through the C VIGIL module on ECINET .