Prior to the Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission recovered Rs 4,658 crore in its largest-ever seizure
In the lead-up to the Lok Sabha polls, the Election Commission said on Monday that the enforcement agencies had seized items valued at over Rs 4,650 crore, including narcotics valued at Rs 2069 crore. According to the poll panel, the total amount of seizures since March has exceeded the Rs 3,475 crore threshold that was obtained during the 2019 parliamentary elections.
“General elections 2024 are under way, and the Election Commission is on track for the highest-ever seizures of inducements recorded in the 75-year history of Lok Sabha elections in the country,” the poll authority said in a statement.
According to information provided by the Election Commission, since March 1, the government has been seizing Rs 100 crore every day. Cash makes up more than Rs 395 crore of the entire amount confiscated, while the booze has a value of more than Rs 489 crore. Notably, narcotics account for 45% of seizures (worth Rs 2,069 crore).
According to the Election Commission, it has been working to keep the playing field equal by checking the cars of well-known figures and even dismissing staff who have neglected to do their jobs. The Commission also said that it has taken action against about 106 government employees who were discovered to be assisting politicians with their campaigns, in violation of several laws and moral principles.
All superintendents of police and district judges have been directed to keep a close eye on helipads and airfields ahead of polling day. According to authorities, searches are taking place at both public and private airfields throughout the country in an effort to stop the airborne transfer of inducements.
The seven phases of the Lok Sabha elections were announced on March 16. The first phase is set to begin on April 19 and the last phase is set to end on June 1. This year, almost 97 crore people are able to cast ballots.
On June 4, the votes are scheduled to be counted. The Indian National Congress (INC) won only 52 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 303 seats.
