“Cash, drugs, liquor, and precious metals worth over ₹1,760 crore recovered in a shocking electoral revelation. The Election Commission deploys high-tech monitoring to combat election malpractices.”

In an unprecedented turn of events, the Election Commission of India (EC) has disclosed the recovery of a staggering ₹1,760 crore in free narcotics, cash, liquor, and precious metals from five poll-bound states. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Income Tax Department (ITD), and other law enforcement agencies spearheaded this effort, aiming to curb the influence of black money and funding of terrorism in the electoral process.

The scale of the seizures in the current assembly elections, announced on October 9, has shattered previous records. The EC reports that goods and cash to induce voters have been confiscated at a rate more than seven times higher (₹239.15 crore) than in the 2018 elections in these states. The states in question include Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Rajasthan, and Telangana, with the latter two yet to cast their votes on November 25 and November 30, respectively.

Telangana emerges as the frontrunner in this unsettling revelation, with a massive seizure amounting to ₹659.2 crore, closely followed by Rajasthan at ₹650.7 crore. In Mizoram, while no cash or precious metal was seized, authorities recovered drugs worth ₹29.82 crore, contributing to the overall total of ₹49.6 crore in seized assets.

The stark contrast between the current seizures and those of the 2018 Assembly polls is alarming. Back then, goods and cash worth ₹239.15 crore were seized, making the current figure of ₹1,760 crore an alarming sevenfold increase. The Election Commission highlights the severity of the issue, emphasizing the need for stringent measures to ensure fair and inducement-free elections.

Looking beyond the immediate scenario, the Election Commission draws attention to the broader context. Over the past six State Assembly elections in Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Karnataka, seizures worth over ₹1,400 crore were recorded. This staggering figure represents an elevenfold increase compared to the previous assembly polls in these states.

Acknowledging the evolving nature of electoral malpractices, the EC has incorporated advanced technology into the monitoring process through the Election Expenditure Monitoring System (ESMS). This strategic move facilitates better coordination and intelligence-sharing among central and state enforcement agencies. The deployment of 228 officers as expenditure observers, with 194 marked as “expenditure sensitive” seats, emphasizes the meticulous approach taken by the Election Commission.

Chief Election Commissioner while announcing the poll schedule, underscored the importance of inducement-free elections to ensure a level playing field for all candidates and parties. The colossal seizures made during this election cycle reinforce the significance of combating malpractices and upholding the integrity of the electoral process.

The revelation of over ₹1,760 crore in seized assets during the ongoing assembly elections raises serious concerns about the prevalence of inducements and illicit practices in the electoral landscape. The Election Commission’s proactive use of technology, coupled with the coordinated efforts of various law enforcement agencies, reflects a commitment to ensuring free and fair elections. As voters in Rajasthan and Telangana prepare to cast their ballots, the focus remains on maintaining the sanctity of the democratic process and preventing undue influence through the infusion of black money. The need for continued vigilance and innovative strategies to counter electoral malpractices is more critical than ever, safeguarding the democratic foundation of the nation.

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