EC seizes ₹558 crore ahead of Maharashtra, Jharkhand Assembly polls and byelections
The Hindu
According to the EC, combined seizures in the two poll-bound States mark a 3.5 time increase as compared to Assembly elections in 2019, when Maharashtra recorded seizures worth ₹103.61 crore and Jharkhand ₹18.76 crore.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has seized cash, freebies, liquor, drugs, and precious metals worth ₹558 crore in the run-up to the Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand as well as the byelections in many States.
While operations in Maharashtra alone have yielded about ₹280 crore since the announcement of the election, seizures worth ₹158 crore have been made in Jharkhand so far.
Also read | Maharashtra Assembly polls: Goods worth ₹52 crore seized in 24 hours amid model code of conduct
Freebies accounted for more than 40% of the total seizures, the poll body said on Wednesday (November 6, 2024).
According to the EC, combined seizures in the two poll-bound States mark a 3.5 time increase as compared to Assembly elections in 2019, when Maharashtra recorded seizures worth ₹103.61 crore and Jharkhand ₹18.76 crore.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar had earlier sensitised officials on the “zero tolerance” of the EC towards any kind of inducements in elections. He also asked for joint teams from multiple agencies for clampdown on distribution and movement of illicit liquor, drugs, freebies, and cash.
At a recent meeting with the Chief Secretaries, Directors-General of Police (DGPs), Excise Commissioners and enforcement agencies of the two poll-going States and their neighbouring States and Union Territories, Mr. Kumar stressed on keeping a close vigil on movements across inter-State borders and also directed agencies to establish backward linkages of seizures for a wider deterrence.
Congress candidate Annapurna confident in winning Sandur byelection, highlighting party's commitment to development and welfare of people.
Kerala Maritime Board invites investors for multi-purpose transit yard project on Kozhikode North Beach, offering parking and tourism opportunities.
Nagapattinam UPHC faces challenges in cramped temporary facility, awaiting construction of new building for improved healthcare services.
Will the persons accused in the FIR lodged against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, his wife Parvathi and two others by the Lokayukta police in the alleged irregularities in the allotment of sites by Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) be summoned again?
Pocket guide on Birds of Telangana released by Deputy CM, featuring 252 bird species with photos, habitats, and identification tips.
Konda Surekha lauds Cabinet ministers’ interactions with people at Gandhi Bhavan
BJP leaders criticize Siddaramaiah's government, accusing him of corruption and hindering development in Karnataka.
VARWA and NIVAS urge State government to revoke True-up and fuel power purchase charges, citing financial burden on consumers.
The electoral heat in Palakkad has dramatically escalated into a nasty confrontation between the Congress and CPI(M). The spark that ignited this intense stand-off was a police raid on the rooms of two Congress women leaders at KPM Regency hotel here, which began around midnight and continued into the early hours of Wednesday.
Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker emphasizes transparency and accountability in AI use at Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Sydney.
Telangana police begin cyber hygiene audit