EC reports seizure of over Rs 4,650 crores so far, highest-ever for Lok Sabha elections
- In Reports
- 04:58 PM, Apr 15, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Election Commission reported that authorities under its supervision have seized assets worth Rs 4,650 crore, which includes narcotics valued at Rs 2,069 crore, in the lead-up to the Lok Sabha elections.
The poll panel reported that the seizures made since March 1 surpass the amount of over Rs 3,475 crore recovered during the 2019 parliamentary polls.
The Lok Sabha polls, spanning seven phases, were announced on March 16, with the first phase scheduled for April 19 and the final phase concluding on June 1. Since March 1, authorities have been consistently seizing assets amounting to Rs100 crore daily.
Out of the total recoveries valued at Rs 4,658 crore, the cash component accounts for over Rs 395 crore, while liquor comprises more than Rs 489 crore. Notably, 45% of the seizures consist of narcotics.
The Election Commission cautioned that the use of black money, alongside political financing, could tilt the playing field in favour of more affluent parties or candidates. It stressed that the seizures are integral to its commitment to conducting the Lok Sabha elections devoid of inducements and electoral malpractices, ensuring a fair electoral process.
Drug seizures constituted approximately 75% of the total seizures in January and February this year, with the poll panel addressing the issue well before the poll schedule was announced.
In recent years, notable seizures have occurred during elections to state assemblies in Gujarat, Punjab, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, and Mizoram.
CEC Rajiv Kumar, in announcing the polls last month, highlighted money power as one of the '4M' challenges, as recalled by the poll authority.
The poll panel emphasised its actions to ensure a level playing field, including vehicle checks of prominent leaders and the removal of officials for negligence in their duties.
Furthermore, the Commission stated that it has taken strict action against nearly 106 government servants who were found assisting politicians in campaigning, contravening various rules and ethical standards.
EC sources highlighted that the search for helicopters, as conducted in the case of TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee, was not a new occurrence.
In preparation for the polls, all district magistrates and superintendents of police received instructions to closely monitor airfields and helipads. Searches are being conducted at airfields, both public and private, nationwide to prevent the transportation of inducements by air.
Image source: Indian Express
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