(Image source from: Odishabytes.com)

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken control of more than ₹408 crore in illegal bribes intended to sway voters in four states and one Union Territory (UT), the organization announced today.

In a press release dated 26 March, the Election Commission mentioned that it seized illicit inducements valued at over ₹408.82 crore, which includes ₹17.44 crore in cash, drugs worth ₹167.38 crore, alcohol worth ₹37.68 crore (16.3 lakh litres), precious metals worth ₹23 crore, and various other items exceeding ₹163.30 crore. This action followed the activation of the Electronic Seizure Management System (ESMS) on 26 February after the assembly elections and by-elections were declared on 15 March.

Assembly elections are set to take place next month in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, along with bye-elections in six states.

The EC pointed out that between 15 and 25 March, there were 70,944 registered complaints. These complaints were logged through the cVigil mobile app created by the EC, allowing people to report violations of the model code of conduct during elections. Out of these complaints, 70,831 have been resolved, with 67,899 of them (or 95.8%) addressed within 100 minutes, it noted. To ensure fair elections, the Commission has sent out over 5,173 mobile teams across the states/UT to respond to complaints within 100 minutes. Additionally, more than 5,200 Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs) have been set up to create surprise checkpoints at various locations. The Commission has also established a system for dealing with complaints, including a Call Centre at the number 1950, where any member of the public or political party can report issues to the relevant District Election Officer (DEO) or Returning Officer (RO). “The Commission has instructed State/UT governments to strictly follow the Model Code of Conduct (MCC),” it added.

The press release further stated that the Commission conducted a review meeting with Chief Secretaries, Chief Election Officers (CEOs), Directors General of Police (DGPs), and senior officials from the five states/UTs holding elections, along with leaders of enforcement agencies, to assess preparation and improve coordination. It urged them to guarantee that the elections on 24 March 2026 are free from violence, coercion, and bribery. “Enforcement agencies must make sure that normal citizens are not troubled or harassed during checks and inspections to enforce these rules. District Grievance Committees have also been formed to handle any related complaints,” it concluded.