New Delhi, Apr 5 (TNT): The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday said that seizures in the ongoing General Elections and bye-elections 2026 have surpassed ₹650 crore, reflecting intensified enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
According to an official press release here, elections are being held for the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, along with bye-elections in six states.
The Commission has directed all States and Union Territories to ensure strict compliance with MCC guidelines.
To ensure free, fair and inducement-free polls, the Commission has deployed over 5,173 flying squads and more than 5,200 Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs) across poll-bound states. These teams are tasked with responding to complaints within 100 minutes and conducting surprise checks at various locations.
The data, compiled through the Electronic Seizure Management System (ESMS) from February 26 to April 5, shows total seizures amounting to ₹651.51 crore includes ₹53.2 crore in cash, liquor worth ₹79.3 crore, drugs valued at ₹230 crore, precious metals worth ₹58 crore, and freebies and other items valued at ₹231.01 crore.
Among states, West Bengal reported the highest total seizures at ₹319 crore, followed by Tamil Nadu at ₹170 crore and Assam at ₹97 crore, while Kerala and Puducherry recorded ₹58 crore and ₹7 crore respectively.
The Commission emphasised that enforcement measures should not inconvenience ordinary citizens and said District Grievance Committees have been set up to address complaints.
It also urged citizens and political parties to report MCC violations through the C-Vigil module on ECINET.
TNT KS
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