Election Commission seizes over Rs 1,760 crore worth of inducements in poll-bound states

In a significant development, the Election Commission (EC) revealed on Monday that it has successfully confiscated over Rs 1,760 crore worth of inducements, including freebies, drugs, cash, liquor, and precious metals, as part of efforts to curb the influence of illicit practices during the ongoing elections in five states.

This noteworthy achievement reflects a substantial increase, surpassing seven times the amount (Rs 239.15 crore) of seizures made during the previous assembly elections held in 2018 in these states. While the assembly polls have already concluded in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Mizoram, the vigilant efforts of the EC continue as Rajasthan and Telangana gear up for their respective elections on November 25 and November 30.

As part of its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, the Election Commission underscores the importance of conducting elections free from any undue influence. The proactive approach in seizing such a substantial amount of inducements sends a strong message about the EC's determination to uphold the democratic values of fair and transparent elections.

The magnitude of the seizures also prompts a reevaluation of strategies to combat electoral malpractices, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and stringent measures to ensure the sanctity of the electoral process in India.