The Election Commission’s determined stance against money power and inducements in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections has yielded remarkable results, with agencies seizing an unprecedented amount totaling Rs 8889 crores. Vigilance against inducements, including drugs and psychotropic substances, has been intensified, leading to significant actions and a continuous surge in seizures.
Among the seized items, drugs have accounted for the maximum value, highlighting the crucial role of narcotics in influencing elections. The Commission’s focus on expenditure monitoring, precise data interpretation, and active participation of enforcement agencies have contributed to this substantial increase in seizures since March 1.
Special emphasis has been laid on the seizure of narcotics and psychotropic substances, as transit zones are increasingly becoming consumption territories. Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar emphasized the need for precise intelligence-based collaborative efforts to eradicate the influence of drug trade money in elections and safeguard the future of youth and the country.
Under the leadership of CEC Sh. Rajiv Kumar, meetings with nodal agencies such as the Narcotics Control Bureau have emphasized analytics-based proactive action. The involvement of agencies like the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Indian Coast Guard, state police, and others has been crucial in achieving significant seizures during the ongoing elections.
As campaigning intensifies, the Commission remains vigilant against attempts to influence voters through inducements. The crusade against drugs and other inducements will persist, with the Commission directing CEOs and enforcement agencies to step up vigilance.
Recent joint operations by Gujarat ATS, NCB, and the Indian Coast Guard have resulted in three high-value seizures of drugs amounting to Rs 892 crores, underscoring the Commission’s commitment to ensuring free and fair elections devoid of illegal influences.
