Lok Sabha Elections 2024: In India’s 75-year history of Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has recorded the highest-ever seizures of inducements. In a press statement, the ECI stated that even before polls started, the commission had already seized an incredible Rs 4,650 crore, or Rs 100 crore every day since March 1. Compared to the Rs 3,475 crore that was taken during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, this is a 34% rise.
ECI’s Unprecedented Crackdown
“With general elections 2024 underway, the ECI is on track for the highest-ever seizures of inducements recorded in the country’s 75-year history of Lok Sabha elections,” the ECI stated. Cash, alcohol, narcotics, precious metals, and other freebies are included in this total. Notably, around 45% of the seizures are of drugs and narcotics, which are the subject of special investigation by the commission.
ECI’s Determination for Fair Elections
“The seizures are a critical part of the ECI’s resolve to conduct the Lok Sabha elections free of inducements and electoral malpractices and to ensure a level playing field. Tightening, monitoring, and checking were among the focus of deliberations to ensure an inducement-free electoral process,” the commission said.
Seizures of drugs and freebies have increased more than any other category since the 2019 general elections. The amount of medicines seized by the ECI has increased from Rs 1,279.9 crore to Rs 2,068.8 crore, while the value of freebies has also increased from Rs 60.15 crore to Rs 1,142.49 crore. The ECI seized cash worth about Rs 395.5 crore, a considerable decrease from the Rs 844 crore taken during the 2019 general elections.
Regional Breakdown of Seizures
Seizures of spirits were Rs 489.3 crore, up from Rs 304.6 crore in the previous elections. Seizures of precious metals decreased to Rs 562.1 crore from Rs 987.11 crore in the previous elections. To date (April 13), Rajasthan has the highest total amount seized (Rs 778.5 crore), followed by Gujarat (Rs 605.33 crore), Tamil Nadu (Rs 460.8 crore), Maharashtra (Rs 431.3 crore), and Punjab (Rs 311.8 crore).
Items and money valued at approximately Rs 236 crore were taken into custody in Delhi, the National Capital Territory. Apart from confiscating money that was not authorised, the commission has also taken strong measures against over 106 government employees who were discovered to be supporting politicians during their campaigns, in violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
