Amid the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct in poll-bound States, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has seized illicit inducements worth over ₹408.82 crore across the country. The large-scale crackdown is part of intensified surveillance aimed at ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.
Massive Seizures of Cash, Liquor and Narcotics
According to official data, the seizures include ₹17.44 crore in cash, liquor worth ₹37.68 crore—amounting to nearly 16.3 lakh litres—and narcotics valued at ₹167.38 crore. In addition, precious metals worth ₹23 crore and other inducement materials exceeding ₹163.30 crore have also been confiscated. The figures highlight the масштаб scale of illegal activities aimed at influencing voters during elections, prompting strict enforcement action by authorities.
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Tech-Driven Enforcement via ESMS
The Commission stated that the success of the operation is the result of coordinated efforts by multiple enforcement agencies across States and Union Territories. The crackdown gained momentum after the activation of the Electronic Seizure Management System (ESMS) on February 26, with data recorded up to March 25. The system has enabled real-time monitoring and reporting, significantly improving both the speed and effectiveness of enforcement actions.
At the same time, the Commission has directed authorities to ensure that law-abiding citizens are not harassed during inspections and checks. Officials have been instructed to maintain sensitivity and caution while carrying out enforcement activities. To address public concerns, District Grievance Committees have been set up to handle complaints related to enforcement measures and ensure prompt resolution.
Swift Resolution of 70,000+ Complaints
To facilitate reporting of violations, the Commission has promoted the use of the C-Vigil mobile application. Between March 15 and March 25, a total of 70,944 complaints were filed through the app in election-bound regions. Of these, 70,831 complaints have already been resolved, with nearly 95.8 percent of cases disposed of within 100 minutes, indicating a rapid response mechanism on the ground.
In addition to the digital complaint platform, a dedicated helpline number—1950—has been made available for citizens and political stakeholders to lodge grievances directly with District Election Officers and Returning Officers. This initiative has further strengthened accessibility and transparency in the complaint redressal process.
Ground Vigilance and High-Level Review
The Commission recently held a high-level review meeting with Chief Secretaries, Chief Electoral Officers, Directors General of Police, and other senior officials from poll-bound States and neighbouring regions. The discussions focused on election preparedness, inter-agency coordination, and measures to ensure inducement-free polling.
To strengthen ground-level vigilance, more than 5,173 Flying Squads and over 5,200 Static Surveillance Teams have been deployed in sensitive areas. These teams are conducting surprise checks, monitoring vehicle movement, and taking immediate action against any suspicious activity.
The extensive enforcement drive by the Election Commission sends a clear message that any attempt to influence voters through illegal inducements will not be tolerated. It also underscores the increasing use of technology and coordinated monitoring to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
