Election Commission action: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has executed an extensive enforcement operation during the ongoing assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Official data confirms that the total value of seizures has crossed the Rs 1,072 crore threshold, underscoring significant challenges in maintaining fair electoral practices.
A state-wise breakdown indicates that Tamil Nadu accounts for Rs 599.24 crore in seizures, while West Bengal has recorded Rs 472.89 crore. The recovered items include cash, liquor, narcotics, precious metals, and various freebies intended to influence voters. Officials noted that as polling phases remain in West Bengal, these figures are expected to rise further.
The nature of illicit materials varies significantly between the two regions. In West Bengal, authorities recovered Rs 102.45 crore in liquor, Rs 108.11 crore in drugs, and Rs 178.83 crore in freebies. Conversely, Tamil Nadu saw lower liquor seizures at Rs 3.85 crore, but recorded substantial recoveries of precious metals worth Rs 159.31 crore and other gifts valued at Rs 259.14 crore.
To enforce strict oversight, the ECI has deployed 5,011 Flying Squad Teams (FST), with 2,728 in West Bengal and 2,283 in Tamil Nadu. These units are mandated to respond to complaints within 100 minutes. Furthermore, 5,363 Static Surveillance Teams (SST) have been established to conduct surprise inspections and monitor transit routes.
The scale of the current operation is evidenced by historical comparisons. In West Bengal, total seizures during the 2021 assembly elections stood at Rs 339.45 crore, rising to Rs 450.64 crore during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The current figures have already surpassed these benchmarks, highlighting heightened vigilance by enforcement agencies.
The Election Commission has directed agencies to exercise sensitivity during these operations to avoid inconveniencing the general public. To ensure transparency and accountability, district-level grievance committees have been formed to address any concerns regarding inspections or seizures.
