Election Commission reports record seizures worth over ₹1,200 crore in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal assembly elections

📌 Summary:

• Election Commission of India (ECI) reported record seizures of cash, liquor, drugs, and freebies exceeding ₹1,200 crore during the ongoing Tamil Nadu and West Bengal state assembly elections

• Seizures include illicit cash, liquor, narcotics, precious metals, and free distribution items intended to influence voters — all violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

• ECI deployed special flying squads, static surveillance teams, and video surveillance teams to curb inducements

• Central forces and state police jointly conducted raids at inter-state check posts and distribution points

• ECI emphasised "level playing field" principle — all parties must compete on ideas, not inducements

• Action has been taken against candidates and party workers found violating MCC provisions under the Representation of People Act, 1951

🔍 UPSC Relevance:

• Model Code of Conduct, powers of ECI, free and fair elections — core GS2 topics

• Sections 171B, 171C, 171E IPC (bribery and undue influence at elections) relevant for Prelims

⚡ Prelims Facts:

• Seizures under: RPA 1951, MCC | Body: ECI | Tools: Flying Squads, SVIT, VST | Relevant IPC: Sections 171B, 171C, 171E | Tamil Nadu and West Bengal: state assembly elections 2026