New Delhi: The Election Commission said enforcement checks during the recent Assembly elections in five states led to the seizure of cash and other items worth Rs 1,444.96 crore, allegedly meant for illegal distribution to voters.
Elections were held in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, West Bengal and Assam, along with bypolls in seven Assembly constituencies across five other states. Results were declared on May 4.
The Commission said it deployed 7,470 flying squads during the poll period. Vehicle checks by these teams led to seizures of cash, liquor, narcotics, gold and gift items.
Tamil Nadu recorded the highest cash seizure at Rs 105.2 crore. The state also saw seizures of gold worth Rs 165.86 crore and gift items worth Rs 307.65 crore.
In West Bengal, the highest seizures were reported in liquor worth Rs 151.86 crore and narcotics worth Rs 130.28 crore. The Commission noted that compared to the 2021 five-state elections, when seizures totalled Rs 1,029.93 crore, the 2026 figure is higher by 40.14%.
