West Bengal poll crackdown intensifies as seizures cross Rs 510 crore, surpassing 2021 tally
The Statesman | 28 April 2026
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday said seizures of illicit inducements in poll-bound West Bengal have crossed Rs 510 crore, marking a sharp escalation in enforcement efforts ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections and already exceeding the total recoveries made during the 2021 polls in the state.
According to an official press note, the Commission stated that since the activation of the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS) on February 26, 2026, enforcement agencies have seized cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals and other inducements collectively valued at Rs 510.10 crore in West Bengal alone. The figure is significantly higher than the Rs 339 crore worth of seizures recorded during the 2021 Assembly elections, underscoring intensified monitoring and a more aggressive crackdown this election cycle.
Breaking down the data, authorities reported the seizure of Rs 30 crore in cash, over 48 lakh litres of liquor valued at Rs 126.85 crore, drugs worth Rs 110.12 crore, precious metals amounting to Rs 58.28 crore, and freebies and other inducements valued at Rs 184.85 crore. Officials said these measures are aimed at curbing the influence of money power and ensuring a level playing field for all candidates.
The Commission had announced the schedule for Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, along with bye-elections, on March 15, 2026, triggering the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Since then, it has directed all state and Union Territory administrations to strictly adhere to the code to ensure free and fair elections.
Highlighting preparedness, the Commission said it has held multiple review meetings with Chief Secretaries, Chief Electoral Officers, Directors General of Police, and senior officials from poll-bound regions as well as neighbouring states. “The Commission has directed all authorities to ensure violence-free, intimidation-free and inducement-free elections,” the statement said.
To strengthen ground-level vigilance, over 2,728 Flying Squad Teams have been deployed to respond swiftly to complaints, with instructions to act within 100 minutes. In addition, more than 3,142 Static Surveillance Teams have been stationed across key locations to conduct surprise checks and set up nakas. Special drives are also underway to curb the manufacture, storage and distribution of illicit liquor.
The sharp rise in seizures reflects both the scale of inducement attempts and the enhanced surveillance mechanisms put in place by authorities. Election officials maintain that the aggressive enforcement strategy is critical to maintaining electoral integrity, particularly in politically competitive states like West Bengal.
Reiterating its commitment, the Commission said it will continue strict action against any attempts to influence voters through illegal means, ensuring that the ongoing election process remains transparent and fair.