Seizures in poll-bound Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have crossed Rs 1,072.13 crore, emerging as the central highlight of intensified enforcement under the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The combined figure underscores the scale of action taken by Election Commission to curb inducements and ensure free and fair polls.
Data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI) shows that while the total seizure figure has crossed Rs 1,000 crore, cash seizures remain a key component of the crackdown.
Tamil Nadu recorded cash seizures worth Rs 100.19 crore, significantly higher than West Bengal’s Rs 27.48 crore, indicating a sharper focus on tracking illicit cash movement in the state.
The ECI announced the election schedule for Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, along with bye-elections, on March 15, 2026, directing strict enforcement of MCC guidelines.
Beyond cash, West Bengal reported higher seizures in liquor and drugs. Liquor seizures in the state stood at 39,31,463 litres valued at Rs 102.45 crore, compared to Tamil Nadu’s 1,17,713 litres worth Rs 3.85 crore.
Drug seizures in West Bengal reached Rs 108.11 crore, exceeding Tamil Nadu’s Rs 76.72 crore.
Tamil Nadu, however, led in other high-value categories. Precious metals worth Rs159.31 crore were seized in the state, far higher than West Bengal’s Rs55.88 crore. Freebies and other items also formed a significant portion, with Tamil Nadu recording Rs259.14 crore compared to West Bengal’s Rs178.83 crore.
Overall, Tamil Nadu accounted for Rs599.24 crore of the total seizures, while West Bengal contributed Rs472.89 crore. Freebies (Rs437.97 crore) and drugs (Rs184.83 crore) formed substantial portions of the overall enforcement data.
To ensure strict monitoring, the Commission deployed over 5,011 Flying Squad Teams (2,728 in West Bengal and 2,283 in Tamil Nadu) to respond to complaints within 100 minutes.
Additionally, 5,363 Static Surveillance Teams (3,142 in West Bengal and 2,221 in Tamil Nadu) have been set up to conduct surprise checks.
The data, compiled through the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS), covers the period from February 26, 2026, to April 22, 2026.
The EC stated that citizens and political parties can report MCC violations using the C-Vigil module on ECINET.
