Massive crackdown: ECI confiscates Rs 408 crore in illicit poll incentives

In a significant crackdown ahead of next month’s assembly elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has seized illicit inducements worth over Rs 408 crore aimed at influencing voters across West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Kerala , as well as in bye-elections in six other states.

The crackdown follows the activation of the Electronic Seizure Management System (ESMS) on February 26 , which has enabled authorities to track and intercept illicit materials efficiently. Since then, enforcement agencies have recovered Rs 17.44 crore in cash, liquor worth Rs 37.68 crore (16.3 lakh litres) , drugs valued at Rs 167.38 crore, precious metals worth Rs 23 crore , and other freebies totaling over Rs 163.30 crore .

To strengthen monitoring, the ECI deployed over 5,173 Flying Squads to ensure rapid response to complaints, alongside 5,200 Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs) conducting surprise checks across the states and Union Territories. Officials have emphasized that ordinary citizens will not face harassment or inconvenience during inspections, with District Grievance Committees established to address any issues.

The cVIGIL mobile application has proven a key tool in citizen participation. From March 15 to 25 , voters and political parties lodged 70,944 complaints , of which 70,831 were addressed and 95.8% resolved within 100 minutes . The app allows real-time reporting of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations , reinforcing transparency and accountability.

This decisive action follows a high-level review meeting on March 24 , where the ECI, along with Chief Secretaries, DGPs, and heads of enforcement agencies from poll-bound and bordering states, underscored the need for violence-free, intimidation-free, and inducement-free elections . A call center, 1950 , has also been set up to facilitate grievance redressal.

With assembly polls looming next month, these measures signal the Commission’s determination to safeguard electoral integrity and curb attempts to sway voters through illicit means. Citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any violations, ensuring elections remain fair, free, and transparent.