EC seizes over Rs 1,000 crore in Tamil Nadu, Bengal ahead of 2026 polls

Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 22: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday said it has seized more than Rs 1,000 crore worth of cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals and other items from Tamil Nadu and West Bengal ahead of the 2026 general elections.

In a statement, the poll panel said surveillance and enforcement measures have been intensified across key poll-bound states, while strict directions have been issued to state and Union Territory governments to ensure full compliance with the Model Code of Conduct.

The Commission said violations of election norms would not be tolerated and regular review meetings are being held with Chief Secretaries, Directors General of Police and other senior officials.

As part of the crackdown, 5,011 Flying Squad Teams have been deployed in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal to respond swiftly to complaints, with a target of addressing cases within 100 minutes.
Of these, 2,728 teams have been deployed in West Bengal and 2,283 in Tamil Nadu.

Additionally, 5,363 Static Surveillance Teams have been stationed at borders and key junctions to conduct surprise checks on movement of cash, liquor and other inducements.

According to data from the Election Seizure Management System, Tamil Nadu recorded seizures worth Rs 599.24 crore, while West Bengal accounted for Rs 472.89 crore, taking the combined value to Rs 1,072.13 crore.

Tamil Nadu reported cash seizures of Rs 100 crore, while nearly 3.9 million litres of liquor have been confiscated in West Bengal, the ECI said.

The seizures also include drugs, gold, silver and other materials allegedly meant for distribution to influence voters.

The Commission said technology is also being used to strengthen monitoring, with citizens and political parties able to report poll code violations through the ‘C-Vigil’ mobile application, which is linked to surveillance teams for prompt action.

The ECI said the extensive measures reflect its resolve to ensure elections are conducted free from the influence of money and muscle power.