The Election Commission (EC) has cracked down on money power, seizing a record Rs 4,650 crore before the first phase of polling on April 19. This marks the highest-ever seizure of inducements in the 75-year history of Lok Sabha elections, as reported by the EC on Monday.
According to the EC, there has been a significant increase from the Rs 3,475 crore seized during the entire Lok Sabha election in 2019. Notably, 45% of the seizures consist of drugs and narcotics, which are a special focus for the Commission.
The EC attributed the successful seizures to comprehensive planning, collaboration among agencies, citizen participation, and the use of technology. The Commission emphasized the importance of preventing the use of black money to maintain a fair electoral process.
In a notable incident in Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, the Commission suspended a flying squad team leader for selective checking of a prominent leader’s convoy. Additionally, actions were taken against government servants found assisting politicians in campaigning, violating the Code of Conduct.
CEC Rajiv Kumar stressed the importance of compliance with BCAS instructions on surveillance and inspection of non-scheduled aircraft and helicopters. Border agencies were instructed to monitor international checkposts, while GST authorities were asked to monitor godowns storing freebies.
Senior EC officials visited every state and Union territory to combat the influence of money in elections. The EC recorded countrywide seizures totaling Rs 7,502 crore in cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and freebies in January and February, bringing the total seizure to over Rs 12,000 crore.
A focus was placed on drug seizures, accounting for 75% of total seizures in January and February. 123 Parliamentary Constituencies were designated as Expenditure Sensitive Constituencies for increased vigilance due to their history of inducement distribution in previous elections or potential inflow of illegal substances and goods.
The crackdown on money power by the EC aims to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
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