Election Commission detains record Rs. 4650 cr ahead of LS polls, exceeds 2019 figures

The "highest ever seizures of inducements" in the history of the Lok Sabha elections are anticipated, the Election Commission of India (ECI) told the public on Monday. 

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According to the poll commission's declaration, enforcement officials have already taken ₹4,650 crore, a record amount as compared to the ₹3,475 crores recovered throughout the entire Lok Sabha election in 2019. This was completed earlier before the start of the first voting round.

"The enhanced seizures reflect ECI’s unwavering commitment to monitor inducements and curb electoral malpractices for a ‘level playing field’, particularly in favor of smaller and less resourceful parties," the Commission stated.

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Notably, the Commission especially targets opioids and medicines, accounting for 45% of the seizures. According to the poll body, significantly, 45% of the seizures are of drugs and narcotics that are under the special focus of the Commission. The seizures have been possible by comprehensive planning, scaled up collaboration and unified deterrence action from agencies, proactive citizen participation and optimal engagement of technology.

The commission also disclosed statistics on the different states and a breakdown of the distribution of the confiscated inducements. The states that seized the most money were Maharashtra (about ₹431 crore), Gujarat (approximately ₹605 crore), and Rajasthan (approximately ₹778 crore).