Seizures of illicit inducements in West Bengal have crossed ₹510 crore ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, marking a significant escalation in enforcement action by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
According to ECI, the total value of seizures in the state reached ₹510.10 crore between February 26 and April 27, surpassing the ₹339 crore recorded during the 2021 Assembly elections. The seizures include cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and other inducements intended to influence voters.
The ECI had announced the schedule for Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, along with bye-elections, on March 15. Following this, strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct has been mandated across poll-bound states and Union Territories.
To ensure free and fair elections, authorities have intensified surveillance and enforcement measures across West Bengal. More than 2,700 Flying Squad Teams have been deployed to respond swiftly to complaints, while over 3,100 Static Surveillance Teams have been stationed to conduct surprise checks at key locations.
ECI said special drives are also underway to curb the manufacture, storage, and distribution of illicit liquor, a common method used for voter inducement. The Commission has held multiple review meetings with senior administrative and law enforcement officials to ensure elections remain violence-free and free from intimidation or bribery.
