ECI Records Highest-Ever Seizures in 75-Year History of Lok Sabha Elections
New Delhi, 15th April 2024: Amid the ongoing General Elections 2024, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is poised to achieve a historic milestone by recording the highest-ever seizures of inducements in the 75-year history of Lok Sabha elections. Enforcement Agencies have already seized a record amount exceeding Rs. 4650 crores in the ECI’s battle against financial influence even before the commencement of the first phase of polling for the 18th Lok Sabha elections. This represents a substantial increase compared to the Rs. 3,475 crores seized during the entire Lok Sabha election in 2019, with 45% of the seizures attributed to drugs and narcotics, which have been a particular focus for the Commission.
The significant rise in seizures has been made possible through meticulous planning, enhanced collaboration, unified deterrence actions by agencies, active citizen involvement, and the effective use of technology. The Election Seizure Management System (ESMS) has played a pivotal role in breaking down barriers and uniting all enforcement agencies on a single platform through technological means. The ESMS portal allows for real-time reporting of interceptions and seizures, preventing duplication of efforts, and creating digital trails for swift and timely reviews at all levels.
Furthermore, detailed and thorough planning by enforcement agencies at both the Central and State levels, coupled with visits by senior Election Commission officials to stress the importance of combating financial influence in elections, have significantly contributed to the successful seizures. Collaborative efforts among agencies, continuous evaluations of field-level personnel, and joint teams inspecting inducements through various methods have further bolstered the enforcement process.
The emphasis on drug seizures, constituting approximately 75% of the total seizures in January and February 2024, underscores the Commission’s dedication to combating the use of drugs and narcotics in elections. The Commission’s partnership with the Directorate General of the Narcotics Control Bureau and initiatives to identify key trafficking routes have enhanced the effectiveness of countermeasures.
In conclusion, the steadfast dedication of the ECI, coupled with technological advancements, collaborative endeavors among agencies, and proactive measures against electoral misconduct, have been crucial in ensuring fair elections and conducting inducement-free Lok Sabha elections.
