Election Commission Seizes ₹558.64 Crore in Cash

In an unprecedented move ahead of state assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced it has seized a record-breaking ₹558.64 crore in cash, freebies, liquor, drugs, and precious metals. The seizures, conducted between October 15 and November 6, 2024, span across 14 states and reflect a strategic clampdown on illicit activities meant to influence voters.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar underscored the "zero tolerance" approach of the ECI toward inducements in elections, noting a substantial escalation in surveillance. “The EC remains firm in its commitment to ensuring a level playing field, free from any form of voter inducement,” Kumar stated, adding that the increased vigilance is a direct response to rising instances of cash and valuables used as election incentives.

Seizures in Maharashtra and Jharkhand Triple Compared to 2019

The bulk of the seized goods were confiscated from Maharashtra and Jharkhand, amounting to ₹281.93 crore and ₹158.7 crore, respectively. This marks a 3.5-time increase compared to the 2019 elections, when seizures in Maharashtra stood at ₹103.61 crore and Jharkhand at ₹18.76 crore. Maharashtra’s confiscated items included precious metals worth ₹90.53 crore, or 32% of the total state’s seizures, followed by cash valued at ₹73.11 crore (25.9%). In Jharkhand, freebies dominated the confiscations, comprising 80.6% (₹127.88 crore) of the total seized, with additional seizures of cash and drugs.

According to officials, these seizures are indicative of heightened oversight in regions classified as Expenditure Sensitive Constituencies (ESCs). In Maharashtra, 91 constituencies have been flagged for intensive scrutiny, while 19 in Jharkhand were similarly monitored, reflecting the EC’s focus on expenditure transparency in areas identified as high-risk.

Breakdown of Seized Goods

Of the total ₹558.64 crore seized, a significant 40% (₹241.02 crore) comprised freebies intended to sway voters. Precious metals, including gold and silver, accounted for ₹104.18 crore, or 18.6%, while cash seizures represented 16.6% (₹92.47 crore) of the total. Liquor and drugs, often leveraged in election campaigns, made up the remaining balance of the confiscated items.

In addition to Maharashtra and Jharkhand, the Pune district administration reported seizures totaling ₹16.34 crore, specifically in Pune district’s Khadakwasla and Shirur constituencies, where cash, liquor, drugs, and precious metals were confiscated. “These items were clearly marked for electoral inducement, warranting immediate intervention,” said Suhas Diwase, Pune District Collector.

Real-Time Surveillance and Technological Integration

The EC attributes the success of its operations to the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS), a real-time reporting tool for interceptions and confiscations. Through ESMS, local and state agencies submit immediate reports of seizures, enabling swift follow-up actions. This digital approach allows the EC and enforcement agencies to conduct comprehensive expenditure monitoring and conduct frequent, accurate reviews.

Additionally, the EC’s mobile app, cVigil, received 9,681 public complaints related to election violations since the commencement of the elections. With a disposal rate of over 98%, 83% of complaints were resolved in under 100 minutes, underscoring the app’s efficiency in addressing electoral grievances.

Intensified Vigilance on State Borders

Recognizing the challenge of cross-border smuggling, the EC has also emphasized inter-state collaboration. During recent meetings with Chief Secretaries, Directors-General of Police (DGPs), and enforcement heads from neighboring states, Kumar emphasized the importance of backward linkages in the investigation of seized items. "Each confiscation is followed up with rigorous investigation to trace the origin and ensure a broader deterrent,” he explained, adding that surveillance at state borders has also been tightened.

The EC’s zero-tolerance policy also extends to curbing unauthorized movement of liquor and contraband substances across borders. In Pune alone, 4.35 lakh liters of liquor were seized across multiple constituencies, indicating that local authorities are prioritizing strict monitoring of supply chains and local manufacturing hubs.

Efficient Campaign Monitoring

To maintain a fair and transparent election environment, the EC has closely monitored campaign-related requests through its Suvidha web portal, approving 18,045 applications for various election activities. Of these, Maharashtra contributed 8,546 requests, while Jharkhand contributed 6,317.

Suvidha, a web and mobile application, was designed to streamline the approval process for election campaigns, thus ensuring that each event aligns with the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) guidelines. This level of regulation, according to senior officials, prevents last-minute attempts to distribute incentives or bypass established rules.

A Commitment to Free and Fair Elections

As assembly elections approach in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, the ECI's heightened efforts send a strong message about its commitment to transparency and accountability. With the implementation of advanced monitoring tools and a robust response network, the commission has underscored the integrity of the electoral process, ensuring an environment free from inducements and malpractice.

This sweeping crackdown, facilitated by the active participation of enforcement agencies and cutting-edge technology, marks a significant shift in India's electoral surveillance strategies. The EC’s success in intercepting a record-breaking volume of cash, freebies, and contraband reflects its steadfast resolve to uphold the democratic principles of fairness and voter autonomy.