The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made unprecedented seizures of inducements amounting to ₹4,650 crore in the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This figure, revealed by the ECI on Monday, reflects a substantial increase compared to the corresponding period during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, signaling heightened efforts to curb electoral malpractices.
Between March 1 and April 13, enforcement agencies recovered cash, drugs, liquor, precious metals, and freebies, marking a 34% increase over the total value of ₹3,475 crore seized throughout the 2019 election campaign. The surge in seizures across all categories is notable, with cash witnessing a 114% rise, liquor and precious metal seizures up by 61% and 43%, respectively, and drug seizures skyrocketing by 62% to ₹2,068 crore.
The ECI attributed this significant enforcement increase to the deployment of advanced technology, such as the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS), and the collaborative efforts of multiple enforcement agencies at both central and state levels. Additionally, the commission designated 123 Parliamentary Constituencies as Expenditure Sensitive Constituencies for intensified vigilance, deploying 781 expenditure observers to monitor these areas.
Furthermore, the ECI took strict action against 106 government servants found violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by assisting politicians in campaigning. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar emphasized the commission’s commitment to ensuring a level playing field, especially for smaller and less resourceful parties.
State-wise, Rajasthan recorded the highest seizures at ₹778 crore, followed by Gujarat (₹605 crore) and Tamil Nadu (₹460 crore). Drugs accounted for the highest value of seizures in Gujarat (₹485 crore), while freebies were most seized in Rajasthan (₹533 crore). Punjab, with seizures totaling ₹311.84 crore, saw drugs comprising a significant 90.04% of the seized items.
Notably, drugs constituted 45% of the total inducements recovered, followed by freebies at ₹1,142 crore. The ECI highlighted its focus on drug-related seizures, which accounted for approximately 75% of total seizures in January and February 2024.
In a press briefing, CEC Rajiv Kumar underscored the commission’s emphasis on strict compliance with civil aviation security rules regarding surveillance and inspection of “non-scheduled aircraft” by various authorities. This comprehensive approach aims to maintain the integrity of the electoral process and prevent undue influence through illicit inducements.
The ECI’s record seizures underscore its unwavering commitment to ensuring fair and transparent elections, signaling a robust stance against the misuse of money power in electoral campaigns. With six weeks remaining in the election period, vigilance efforts are expected to intensify further as the nation prepares for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Sources By Agencies