India Election Commission Seizes Inducements

The India — Election Commission of India has seized over Rs 400 crore in illicit inducements, including cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and freebies, between February 26 and March 25. These seizures are part of efforts to ensure free, fair, and inducement-free legislative assembly elections in India — Assam, India — Kerala, India — Tamil Nadu, India — West Bengal, and the Union Territory of India — Puducherry, as well as bye-elections in six other states. The India — Election Commission of India announced the election schedule on March 15, immediately bringing the Model Code of Conduct into force. To enforce these regulations, the India — Election Commission of India has deployed over 5,173 flying squads and 5,200 Static Surveillance Teams. A high-level review meeting was also convened on March 24 with officials from the poll-bound and bordering states/UTs to enhance coordination among enforcement agencies. The India — Election Commission of India has also emphasized citizen convenience, ensuring routine checks do not harass the public, and has established District Grievance Committees. Public participation has been significant, with over 70,000 complaints received via the C-Vigil app between March 15 and March 25, with 95.8% resolved within 100 minutes. A dedicated complaint redressal mechanism, including a helpline, is also in place.