ECI ₹650 Crore Seized : The battle for the ballot has barely begun, but the hunt for “poll perks” is already breaking records. In a massive crackdown across the country, enforcement agencies have recovered a staggering Rs 651.51 crore in illegal inducements since the 2026 Assembly election cycle kicked off.
From bundles of cash hidden in secret vehicle compartments to consignments of gold and high-end liquor, the Election Commission of India revealed on Sunday that the scale of seizures is a direct result of its intensified war against money power.
The numbers tell a story of high-stakes politics and even higher surveillance. Since the Electronic Seizure Management System went live in late February, officials have intercepted Rs 230 crore worth of drugs, marking it as the largest category of contraband seized so far.
This is followed closely by freebies and miscellaneous items valued at over Rs 231 crore. Cash recoveries have touched Rs 53.2 crore, while liquor worth nearly Rs 80 crore and precious metals valued at Rs 58 crore have also been confiscated to prevent them from reaching voters.
West Bengal has emerged as the epicentre of these enforcement drives, accounting for nearly half of the total haul with seizures worth Rs 319 crore. Tamil Nadu follows with Rs 170 crore, while Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry have seen recoveries worth Rs 97 crore, Rs 58 crore, and Rs 7 crore respectively.
These figures have surged following the March 15 announcement of the poll schedule for these regions, putting the sarkar’s machinery on high alert to ensure that the democratic process remains free from intimidation and illicit influence.
To keep the elections “inducement-free,” the poll body has turned the five states into a fortress of surveillance. Over 5,173 flying squads are currently roaming the streets, ready to rush to any spot where trouble is reported within a target time of just 100 minutes. Meanwhile, more than 5,200 Static Surveillance Teams have set up nakas and check-posts at strategic borders and transit points.
While the Commission has told officials to be firm, it has also issued a stern warning that ordinary citizens should not be harassed during these searches, even setting up District Grievance Committees to handle any public complaints.
This massive exercise in vigilance is about more than just numbers; it is an attempt to level the playing field in some of India’s most competitive political arenas. The Commission has urged the public to act as its eyes and ears, encouraging people to use the C-Vigil module on the ECINET platform to report any violations of the Model Code of Conduct. As the campaign trails heat up, the message from the poll body is clear: every lakh and crore meant to tilt the scales will be hunted down to protect the sanctity of the vote.
