Election Commission Seizes Rs 4,650 Crore, Highest In India's Poll History

With only a couple of days left for the commencement of polling Lok Sabha Elections 2024, authorities have seized cash, alcohol, and drugs worth a total of Rs 4,650 crores. According to the statement shared by the Election Commission of India (ECI), 45% of the seizures are of drugs and narcotics.

The poll panel has seized drugs worth Rs 2,068.8 crore, which is expected to lure voters and temper the polling.

The official statement from the Election Commission reads: "With general elections 2024 underway, ECI is on track for the highest-ever seizures of inducements recorded in the 75-year history of Lok Sabha elections in the country"

The poll governing body said around Rs 100 crore seizures were made almost every day since March 1. The total of seizures ahead of the first phase is much compared to ₹3,475 crores seized during the 2019 polls.

Since the Model Code of Conduct for General Elections 2024 has come into force, authorities made big seizures through smart planning, collaborations, and unified deterrence action, the Election Commission said, highlighting people's participation and use of technology.

The reports said Election Officers directed police officials to file 1650 FIRs in Karnataka as they clutched Rs 45.59 crore cash and alcohol worth over Rs 151 crore.

As per the decision made by the Election Commission of India, polling for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases between April 19 to June 1, and the results will be announced on June 4.

In the first phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024, polling will be held in Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep and Puducherry.

Along with the Lok Sabha elections, Arunachal Pradesh will also witness state assembly elections.