Election Commission Seizure Crosses Rs 5.09 Crore in Assam Since MCC Came Into Force

GUWAHATI: Since the commencement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) across India for the polls till April 1, 2019; cash amounting to Rs 9.97 crore has been seized in the north-eastern States. On the other hand, the all India figure of such seizure during this period is Rs 340.75 crore, reveals a ‘Progressive Seizure Report’ of the Election Commission of India (ECI). Significantly, the maximum cash seizure of Rs 5.09 crore in the north-eastern States has been made in Assam, followed by Arunachal Pradesh (Rs 3.61 crore), Nagaland (Rs 0.72 crore), Meghalaya (Rs 0.27 crore), Tripura (Rs 0.18 crore) Manipur (Rs 0.10 crore), and Sikkim (Rs 0.001 crore). However, there has been no such cash seizure during the period in Mizoram.

The ECI has fixed an expenditure limit of Rs 70 lakh per candidate per parliamentary constituency. For free and fair polls, following the direction of ECI quite a number of surveillance teams and flying squads have been keeping an eagle’s eye on such movements of cash and other items across the country.

In Assam, liquor amounting to 0.88 lakh litres valued at Rs 55 lakh has been also seized during the period. The total amount of seizures of such movement of cash, liquor, drugs and narcotics, precious metals like gold and silver, besides other items or freebies in Assam during the period is Rs 6.26 crore. On the other hand, the total value of such seizures in Manipur is Rs 26.80 crore, followed by Arunachal Pradesh (Rs 3.61 crore); Nagaland (Rs 2.64 crore); Tripura (Rs 1 crore), Mizoram (Rs 0.43 crore), Meghalaya (Rs 0.38 crore), and Sikkim (Rs 0.011 crore). The all India figure for such total seizure (including cash) for the mentioned period is Rs 1,460.02 crore, stated the ECI report.

It is worth mentioning that the ECI has already deputed 14 Expenditure Observers (EOs) for Assam. The EOs would be supported by approximately 400 Flying Squads and Video Surveillance Teams, informed a source of the Election Department, Assam.

The EOs and their teams would be working at the ground level from the last date for withdrawal of nominations by candidates till the polling date. The EOs will also have a final review and check of the candidates’ poll-related expenditures after the counting of votes.

At least three flying squads – also having police officials with them – would be deployed in each of the 126 Legislative Assembly segments. Their job is to conduct inquiries, especially on receipt of complaints of any violation of the MCC including use of money and other means to manipulate voters. These squads will then submit their reports to the Expenditure Observers.

Also Read: Top Headlines