Election Commission steps up enforcement as seizures in West Bengal surpass previous election records.
April 27, 2026: The Election Commission of India has intensified its crackdown on illicit inducements ahead of Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. Following the announcement of the election schedule on March 15, the Commission directed strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct. Multiple review meetings have been held with top officials, including Chief Secretaries, Chief Electoral Officers, and Directors General of Police, to ensure smooth and fair polling.
As part of its strategy, the poll body has deployed over 2,728 Flying Squad Teams and more than 3,142 Static Surveillance Teams to monitor violations and respond swiftly to complaints. Special drives are also being carried out to curb illegal liquor operations. Data from the Election Seizure Management System shows that enforcement agencies in West Bengal have seized cash worth ₹30 crore, over 48 lakh litres of liquor, along with drugs and other inducements. The total value of seizures in the state has reached ₹510.10 crore as of April 27.
This marks a sharp rise compared to the ₹339 crore seized during the 2021 Assembly elections, reflecting heightened vigilance this time. The second phase of polling in West Bengal is scheduled for April 29, with 142 constituencies set to vote, making enforcement efforts even more crucial in the coming days.