Election Commission has reported seizures exceeding one thousand crore rupees in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal amid 2026 Assembly elections and bye-elections. ECI said that since the activation of the Election Seizure Management System in February this year, West Bengal recorded seizures worth over 472 crore rupees, including cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and freebies, while Tamil Nadu reported seizures of over 599 crore rupees.

The Commission said that over 5 thousand Flying Squad Teams and more than 5 thousand 3 hundred Static Surveillance Teams have been deployed across both states for rapid response and surprise checks, with an aim to ensure strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.

The Commission also directed authorities to ensure free, fair, and inducement-free elections while avoiding inconvenience to the public. District Grievance Committees have also been set up to address complaints related to enforcement activities.