The Election Commission has reported seizures exceeding 865 crore rupees in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, ahead of Assembly elections and bye-polls. The poll panel said that since the activation of the Election Seizure Management System on 26th February, West Bengal recorded seizures worth 427 crore rupees, including cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and freebies, while Tamil Nadu reported seizures of 438 crore rupees under similar categories.

 

The Commission noted 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.