Overview
- The Election Commission, which released the consolidated tally Thursday, said teams seized illicit inducements worth ₹1,444.96 crore across Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal between February 26 and May 6.
- The haul included ₹154.89 crore in cash, about 69.8 lakh litres of liquor valued at ₹183.3 crore, drugs worth ₹337.8 crore, precious metals estimated at ₹250 crore and consumer freebies valued at ₹518 crore.
- Tamil Nadu recorded the largest overall seizures at ₹662.28 crore and led in cash recoveries, while West Bengal totaled ₹573.41 crore and led in liquor and drug seizures.
- West Bengal posted the steepest jump versus 2021 at 68.92% and Tamil Nadu rose 48.40%, contributing to an overall 40.14% increase across the five poll jurisdictions.
- The Commission credited 376 expenditure observers, 7,470 flying squads, 7,470 static surveillance teams and the Election Seizure Management System, which links agencies in real time, with improving detection of voter inducements such as cash handouts, alcohol and household freebies.