National Desk, 15th April: The Election Commission of India (ECI) intensifies its efforts against money power in elections, reporting a staggering seizure of Rs 4,650 crores even before polling begins. This significant increase compared to 2019’s total seizures underscores the ECI’s commitment to fair and transparent elections.
Enforcement agencies have been seizing an average of Rs 100 crore daily since March 1st, highlighting the scale of financial irregularities addressed by authorities. The ECI emphasizes that this stringent action will persist without pause.
The seizures, including a substantial portion of drugs and narcotics, result from comprehensive planning, enhanced collaboration among agencies, proactive citizen participation, and effective technology use. These efforts aim to prevent the misuse of black money and other inducements that could sway elections.
CEC Rajiv Kumar identified money power as a critical challenge during poll announcements, emphasizing its significance alongside other ‘4M challenges.’ Review meetings with central observers and officials focus on tightening monitoring mechanisms for an inducement-free electoral process.
Recent actions include the suspension of a flying squad team leader in Tamil Nadu for laxity and selective checking during a prominent leader’s cavalcade. Approximately 106 government servants faced strict action for violating the Code of Conduct by aiding politicians in campaigning.
The commission’s emphasis on surveillance measures for non-scheduled aircraft, monitoring of transport check posts, and scrutiny of election-related activities underscores its dedication to a level playing field.
The ongoing crackdown on money power reflects the ECI’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and accountability in India’s electoral process.
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