Massive Cash Seizures Exceed Rs. 1760 Crores in Five Poll-bound States
Seizure of liquor made in Bilaspur District of Chhattisgarh.
- Election Commission’s Rigorous Measures Yield Sevenfold Increase in Seizures Compared to 2018
TFP Bureau, New Delhi; Nov 20,2023: In a resounding success for the Election Commission of India (ECI), a staggering increase in cash seizures, surpassing Rs. 1760 Crores, has been reported in the five poll-going states of Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Telangana since the announcement of elections. This figure represents an unprecedented sevenfold surge compared to the 2018 State Assembly elections, highlighting the ECI’s relentless commitment to fostering free and fair elections.
The Election Seizure Management System (ESMS) played a pivotal role in coordinating efforts among various enforcement agencies, facilitating intelligence sharing, and contributing to the exponential rise in seizures. The ESMS, a technological integration into the monitoring process, has proven to be a catalyst for better coordination among both Central and State enforcement agencies.
As of November 20, 2023, the reported seizures in the five states encompassed various categories, including cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and other items. The breakdown is as follows:
| State | Cash (Rs. Cr) | Liquor (Rs. Cr) | Drugs (Rs. Cr) | Precious Metals (Rs. Cr) | Freebies and Others (Rs. Cr) | Total (Rs. Cr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chhattisgarh | 20.77 | 2.16 | 4.55 | 22.76 | 26.68 | 76.9 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 33.72 | 69.85 | 15.53 | 84.1 | 120.53 | 323.7 |
| Mizoram | 0 | 4.67 | 29.82 | 0 | 15.16 | 49.6 |
| Rajasthan | 93.17 | 51.29 | 91.71 | 73.36 | 341.24 | 650.7 |
| Telangana | 225.23 | 86.82 | 103.74 | 191.02 | 52.41 | 659.2 |
| Total | 372.9 | 214.8 | 245.3 | 371.2 | 556.02 | ~1760 |
This surge represents a remarkable 636% increase compared to the seizure figures during the 2018 Assembly Elections in these five states.
In addition to these impressive figures, a historical comparison with the seizures made during the past six State Assembly Elections further emphasizes the effectiveness of the ECI’s measures. The results show a substantial increase, underscoring the Commission’s dedication to curbing electoral malpractices.
| State | Total Seizure (2017-18) (crores) | Total Seizure (2022-23) (crores) | % Increase in Seizure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Himachal Pradesh | 9.03 | 57.24 | 533.89 |
| Gujarat | 27.21 | 801.851 | 2846.90 |
| Tripura | 1.79 | 45.44 | 2438.55 |
| Nagaland | 4.3 | 50.02 | 1063.26 |
| Meghalaya | 1.16 | 74.18 | 6294.8 |
| Karnataka | 83.93 | 384.46 | 358.07 |
| Total | 127.416 | 1413.191 | 1009.12 |
The Election Expenditure Monitoring System (ESMS), integrated with technology, has played a significant role in streamlining the monitoring process. ESMS encourages real-time reporting, coordination at the CEO & DEO levels, and enhances intelligence sharing among multiple enforcement agencies.
As part of this effort, 228 experienced officers from various Central Government Services have been deployed as Expenditure Observers. With 194 Assembly Constituencies marked as Expenditure Sensitive Constituencies, close monitoring is ensured, reflecting a zero-tolerance approach to curbing the flow of inducements and ensuring a fair electoral process. The ECI remains committed to sustained efforts in the ongoing elections, anticipating further increases in seizure figures.
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