Lok Sabha Election 2024: Rs 100 crore seized each day since March 1, says ECI

Election Commission of India has made highest seizure of inducements in the 75-year history of general elections in the country.

Just ahead of the Lok Sabha polls starting on April 19, the Election Commission of India said it was on track of record highest seizure of inducements in the 75-year history of general elections in the country. The seizure has reached Rs 100 crore each day since March 1, the poll panel said.

The ECI has so far seized Rs 4,650 crore, which marks a sharp increase from Rs 3,475 crore it had seized in the 2019 polls. Around 45 percent of the seizures are of drugs and narcotics, that are under the special focus of the commission.

The seizures were made possible by comprehensive planning, scaled up collaboration and unified deterrence action from agencies, proactive citizen participation, and optimal engagement of technology, the ECI said in a statement.

“Use of black money, over and above political financing and accurate disclosure thereof, may disturb the level playing field in favour of more resourceful party or candidate in specific geographies. The seizures are a critical part of ECI resolve to conduct the Lok Sabha elections free of inducements and electoral malpractices and to ensure a level playing field,” said the poll body.

Citing an incident in Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, the commission suspended the flying squad team leader for laxity in duty and selective checking of a cavalcade of a prominent leader. Similarly, officials checked vehicles in the convoy of chief minister of a state and also vehicle of a deputy chief minister in another state.

The panel also mentioned that it has taken strict action against approximately 106 government servants who have been found assisting politicians in campaigning, thereby violating the Code of Conduct and instructions.