Kolkata
₹1,000 Crore Worth Cash, Liquor and Freebies Seized During 2026 Elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal
Election Commission has reported seizures exceeding one thousand crore rupees in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal amid 2026 Assembly elections and bye-elections. ECI said that since the activation of the Election Seizure Management System in February this year, West Bengal recorded seizures worth over 472 crore rupees, including cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and freebies, while Tamil Nadu reported seizures of over 599 crore rupees. The Commission said that over 5 thousand Flying Squad Teams and more than 5 thousand 3 hundred Static Surveillance Teams have been deployed across both states for rapid response and surprise checks, with an aim to ensure strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct. The Commission also directed authorities to ensure free, fair, and inducement-free elections while avoiding inconvenience to the public. District Grievance Committees have also been set up to address complaints related to enforcement activities. Convert this as a news description
In a major crackdown during the 2026 Assembly elections and bye-elections, the Election Commission of India has reported seizures exceeding ₹1,000 crore in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. According to the Commission, since the Election Seizure Management System was activated in February this year, West Bengal alone recorded seizures worth more than ₹472 crore, while Tamil Nadu accounted for over ₹599 crore.
The seized materials include unaccounted cash, liquor, narcotics, precious metals, and freebies allegedly intended to influence voters. Officials said the extensive seizures reflect intensified efforts to curb the use of money power and illegal inducements during the election period.
To strengthen monitoring, the Commission has deployed more than 5,000 Flying Squad Teams and over 5,300 Static Surveillance Teams across both states. These teams are carrying out surprise inspections, vehicle checks, and rapid enforcement operations to ensure compliance with the Model Code of Conduct.
The Election Commission has also instructed state authorities to conduct free, fair, and inducement-free polls while ensuring that enforcement measures do not cause unnecessary inconvenience to the public. In addition, District Grievance Committees have been established to promptly address complaints related to election enforcement activities.
