Lok Sabha Election 2024: ECI Seizes Rs 4,650 Crores Ahead Of Voting, Higher Than Total Seizures In 2019 Polls

Ahead of the Lok Sabha Election 2024, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has seized Rs 4,650 crores in illicit funds, including drugs (45%). This surpasses the total seizures of 2019.

According to the ECI, since March 1, a jaw-dropping sum of Rs 100 crore has been confiscated each day. (Image used for representational purposes only)

Source : PTI

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has revealed staggering figures regarding the seizure of illicit funds ahead of the Lok Sabha Election 2024. According to the ECI statement, since March 1, a jaw-dropping sum of Rs 100 crore has been confiscated each day, amounting to a total of Rs 4,650 crores even before the commencement of polling. These figures surpass the total seizures made during the 2019 polls.

One of the notable aspects highlighted by the ECI is the diversification of seizures, with 45% attributed to drugs and narcotics. 

"Enforcement Agencies have made a record seizure of over Rs. 4650 crores in ECI’s resolute fight against money power even before the first phase of polling for the 18th Lok Sabha elections commences on Friday. This marks a sharp increase over Rs 3475 crores seized during the entire Lok Sabha election in 2019. Significantly, 45% of the seizures are of drugs and narcotics, that are under the special focus of the Commission," the ECI informed in a statement.

"The seizures have been possible by comprehensive planning, scaled up collaboration and unified deterrence action from agencies, proactive citizen participation and optimal engagement of technology," it added.

In a recent incident in Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, the Commission took action against laxity in duty by suspending a flying squad team leader. Moreover, strict measures have been taken against government servants found assisting politicians in campaigning, in violation of the Code of Conduct, as per the ECI.

Lok Sabha Election 2024: State-wise breakup of Election Commission seizures

Here is a state-wise breakup of the seizures:

According to the release, in January and February, the months preceding the official announcement, countrywide seizures totalling another Rs 7502 crores were recorded in the form of cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and freebies. "This brings the total seizure to over Rs 12,000 crores so far with six weeks still left in the election period," it noted.

The ECI also stressed increased focus on drug menace stating that there was a substantial focus on drug seizures, which accounted for approximately 75% of the total seizures in January and February 2024. "Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar had emphasized the importance of agencies' efforts in seizing drugs and narcotics during his visits to nodal agencies. He highlighted that besides the risk of dirty money being used to influence elections, drugs pose a serious social menace with the potential to harm communities, particularly youth," it highlighted.

The country is set to witness its 18th Lok Sabha polls spread across seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with results to be announced on June 4.