Election Commission seizes Rs 558 Crore in crackdown on voter inducements

Maharashtra & Jharkhand: As part of a rigorous crackdown to prevent voter inducements, Election Commission agencies have seized Rs 558 crore in cash, liquor, drugs, and precious metals in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and ongoing by-polls. Maharashtra alone accounts for Rs 280 crore in seizures, with Jharkhand yielding Rs 158 crore.

Record-breaking seizures in poll-bound states

The combined seizures in Maharashtra and Jharkhand reflect a 3.5-fold increase compared to the 2019 Assembly elections, when the total haul was Rs 122.37 crore across both states. Maharashtra recorded Rs 103.61 crore in 2019, while Jharkhand reported Rs 18.76 crore. Freebies constitute over 40% of the current seized goods.

Zero tolerance policy on voter inducements

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has reiterated the Commission’s “Zero Tolerance” stance toward any kind of inducement targeting voters. Kumar has directed joint teams from multiple agencies to actively curb the flow of illicit cash, liquor, and other enticements.

Enhanced surveillance and technology-driven monitoring

The Commission has intensified monitoring, utilizing real-time reporting through the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS) and closely coordinating with enforcement agencies. Special focus is on 110 Expenditure Sensitive Constituencies (Maharashtra – 91, Jharkhand – 19) identified as high-risk for election-related inducements.

Citizen participation through the cVIGIL App

The Commission’s cVIGIL app empowers citizens to report code violations. Since the election announcement, 9,681 complaints have been resolved, with a resolution rate of over 98%, most within 100 minutes. The user-friendly app connects citizens directly with election enforcement teams for swift action on violations.

SUVIDHA App streamlining campaign permissions

To maintain a fair electoral environment, the Commission’s SUVIDHA app has facilitated 18,045 campaign requests, ensuring transparent support for political parties. The app, recently upgraded to include mobile access, has processed thousands of approvals, with over 8,500 from Maharashtra and 6,300 from Jharkhand.

Strict enforcement for fair elections

With a vigilant eye on cross-border movements and multi-agency coordination, the Election Commission’s strict enforcement approach aims to foster a transparent election process, free from undue influence on voters.