New Delhi, 05 April (H.S.):

The Election Commission of India has confiscated cash and illegal materials worth ₹651.51 crore across five states and a union territory since the Model Code of Conduct took effect for upcoming assembly elections and bypolls, underscoring a zero-tolerance drive for fair polls.

Deploying over 5,173 flying squads and 5,200 static surveillance teams, the EC has intensified checks, searches, and checkpoints to curb inducements. The Electronic Seizure Management System (ESMS), active since February 26, logged ₹53.2 crore cash, ₹79.3 crore liquor, ₹230 crore drugs, ₹58 crore precious metals, and ₹231.01 crore freebies.

West Bengal topped seizures at ₹319 crore, followed by Tamil Nadu (₹170 crore), Assam (₹97 crore), Kerala (₹58 crore), and Puducherry (₹7 crore).

District-level grievance committees safeguard citizens, while the cVIGIL app enables swift violation reports from voters and parties, ensuring rapid enforcement for transparent elections.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar