The Election Commission’s (ECI) determined and concerted assault on money power and inducements in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections has resulted in staggering seizures worth Rs 8889 crores by the agencies, a PIB press release stated.
The EC has decided to take a “zero-tolerance” approach against all forms of inducements, including drugs and psychotropic substances. The Commission has planned to continue its crackdown on money power and inducements during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. According to sources, the EC has enhanced its vigil against inducements and the seizures have been highest in the last month, with the agency indicating that about half of the total seizures were drugs-related.
The EC has also decided to increase the number of personnel and strengthen the coordination of departments in order to better implement the scheme. The agency has also ordered all the nodal officers of NCB to take active participation in the campaign and ensure that no funds are misused. The NCB has also been directed to prepare a report on the seizures of drugs and other inducements during the election process, which will be submitted to the Commission.
The agency has urged all stakeholders to play their role responsibly in the elections and ensure that the votes are based on the candidates’ policies and not influenced by any form of inducements.