Bihar Assembly Polls 2025: ₹34 Crore Worth of Illegal Cash and Freebies Seized, ECI Takes Strict Action

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued stringent directives to enforcement agencies to prevent the illegal movement of cash, liquor, drugs, and other inducements during the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, scheduled for November 6 and 11, 2025.

Key Measures and Enforcement Agencies Involved

The ECI has coordinated with multiple enforcement bodies, including the State Police, State Excise Department, Income Tax Department, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Customs, Enforcement Directorate, Narcotics Control Bureau, Railways, CISF, SSB, BCAS, Airport Authority of India, and the Department of Post.

Flying Squads, Static Surveillance Teams, and Video Surveillance Teams have been deployed for round-the-clock monitoring to intercept the illegal movement of election inducements. Expenditure Observers are also stationed in all constituencies to track candidates' spending and ensure compliance with legal limits.

Technology and Public Participation

To enhance monitoring, the ECI has activated the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS), an online, real-time platform for reporting all seizures by enforcement teams during the election period.

The public can also participate by reporting violations or suspicious activities through the C-Vigil app, empowering citizens to contribute to free and fair elections.

Results So Far

Since the announcement of the election schedule on October 6, 2025, enforcement agencies have seized approximately ₹34 crore worth of cash, liquor, drugs, and other freebies intended as voter inducements.

ECI's Assurance

The Commission has emphasized that while enforcement will be rigorous, it should not cause harassment or inconvenience to the general public during inspections and checks.

These comprehensive steps aim to ensure transparency, curb the influence of money and illegal inducements, and safeguard the integrity and fairness of the Bihar electoral process.