There are only two days remaining until the assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. At the same time, the Election Commission has implemented strong measures against bribery in both states. As per the information provided by the Election Commission, the amount confiscated in the ongoing elections exceeds Rs 1000 crore. Based on this information, Maharashtra and Jharkhand have recorded seven times more seizures than in 2019.
The code of conduct becomes effective when the Election Commission declares the elections. Additionally, the Election Commission initiates a thorough monitoring process. Its primary function is to limit the monetary influence in electoral campaigns. In Maharashtra and Jharkhand, approximately Rs 123 crore was confiscated during the 2019 elections.
In the assembly elections and by-elections of Maharashtra and Jharkhand, enforcement agencies under the Election Commission have confiscated a combined total of Rs 1082.2 crore. This encompasses money, alcohol, narcotics, giveaways, and other appealing objects. A sum of Rs 858 crore has been confiscated in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. This is seven times greater than the previous elections that took place in both states.
In Maharashtra, Rs 103.61 crore were seized during the 2019 assembly elections, while Rs 18.76 crore were confiscated in Jharkhand. This time, Maharashtra confiscated a total of Rs 660.18 crore, while Jharkhand seized Rs 198.12 crore. In the by-elections conducted in 14 states, a sum of Rs 223.91 crore in cash and inducements was seized.
In addition to cash, Maharashtra and Jharkhand authorities confiscated substantial amounts of alcohol and drugs. Cash amounting to Rs 153.48 crore, liquor valued at Rs 71.13 crore, drugs worth Rs 72.14 crore, free gifts valued at Rs 80.94 crore, and precious metals totaling Rs 282.49 crore have been confiscated in Maharashtra.
In Jharkhand, authorities confiscated cash totaling Rs 14.84 crore, alcohol totaling Rs 7.84 crore, narcotics totaling Rs 14.84 crore, metal items worth Rs 8.38 crore, and free gifts worth Rs 152.22 crore. Simultaneously, election officers have been directed to closely monitor for temptations during the upcoming two days. Rajiv Kumar, the Chief Election Commissioner, has instructed all officers, including CEO, DEO, and SP, to maintain a vigilant stance until the voting process is completed.