With crucial Assembly elections and bypolls approaching across several states, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday reported a massive surge in enforcement action, revealing that confiscations of illicit inducements have exceeded Rs 650 crore.

The poll body stated that authorities have seized assets worth Rs 651.51 crore since the rollout of the Electronic Seizure Management System (ESMS) on February 26. These recoveries include unaccounted cash, liquor, narcotic substances, precious metals, and other items suspected to be used to influence voters during the election period.

Among the states, West Bengal recorded the highest value of seizures at Rs319 crore. It was followed by Tamil Nadu with Rs 170 crore, Assam at Rs 97 crore, Kerala with Rs 58 crore, and Puducherry reporting Rs 7crore.

In a bid to maintain the integrity of the electoral process, the Commission has significantly strengthened its monitoring framework. More than 5,100 flying squads have been deployed to respond rapidly to complaints, with instructions to take action within a strict 100-minute window. In parallel, over 5,200 Static Surveillance Teams are conducting routine and surprise inspections at sensitive points.

Senior officials, including Chief Secretaries, Chief Electoral Officers, and Directors General of Police from poll-bound and neighbouring states, have been directed to ensure that elections remain peaceful and free from coercion or undue influence. The Commission reiterated that all measures must strictly comply with the Model Code of Conduct.