₹1,000 Crore Seized in State Elections, 7x More Than 2019
Enforcement agencies have seized over ₹1,000 crore worth of cash, liquor, and other illicit items during the ongoing elections in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and 14 other states holding bypolls, the Election Commission announced on Monday. The staggering figure is seven times higher than the ₹122.37 crore seized during the 2019 assembly elections in these two states.
Record-Breaking Seizures in Maharashtra
Maharashtra alone accounted for significant seizures, including ₹3.70 crore in cash from a suspicious vehicle in Palghar’s Wada area and ₹5.20 crore worth of silver bars in Raigad. A notable operation in Buldhana’s Jamod constituency uncovered 4,500 kg of ganja plants valued at ₹4.51 crore.
Chief Election Officer Rajiv Kumar emphasized the Commission’s heightened focus on curbing money power, directing officials to maintain strict vigilance in the two days leading up to polling on November 20.
Jharkhand’s Crackdown on Illicit Mining
Jharkhand witnessed significant actions against illegal mining. In Sahibganj’s Rajmahal constituency, authorities seized illegal mining materials worth ₹2.26 crore. Other operations included the confiscation of 687 kg of poppy straw in Daltonganj and 48.18 kg of marijuana in Hazaribagh.
Nationwide Monitoring
Elsewhere, Rajasthan recorded the seizure of 449 cartons of liquor hidden within potato shipments in Nagaur. The Election Commission highlighted its extensive monitoring process, which began months before the elections. This included marking expenditure-sensitive constituencies, training enforcement teams, and using advanced IT tools to track and intercept illicit activities.
With a focus on transparency, the Commission’s stringent measures underscore its commitment to ensuring free and fair elections. Votes for Maharashtra and Jharkhand will be counted on November 23.
