Jharkhand Elections: EC on high alert as Rs 160 Crore seized

Mail News Service

Ranchi, Nov 15: With the looming threat of black money and illegal substances influencing the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections, the Election Commission has ramped up its vigilance. In a proactive move, the commission has seized an alarming Rs 160 crore so far, which is more than eight times the amount seized during the 2019 elections. This includes cash, drugs, liquor, and other potential election-related freebies.

The significant increase in seizures reflects concerns over the large-scale use of illicit money to sway voter behavior. Intelligence reports and past incidents from the 2019 assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections indicate that money, liquor, and narcotics have been smuggled into key constituencies, particularly from neighboring states.

“To ensure free and fair elections, we have made comprehensive preparations, including deploying flying squads, static surveillance teams, and video surveillance,” stated Neha Arora, the Additional Election Officer. “All teams are equipped with GPS trackers for efficient monitoring.”

Certain constituencies, including Ramgarh, Barkagaon, Giridih, and Dhanbad, have been identified as sensitive due to a high likelihood of electoral manipulation through black money. The district police, excise department, and enforcement agencies have been put on high alert, with clear instructions to monitor these regions closely. These constituencies were also flagged for irregularities in past elections, with significant seizures of cash, liquor, and drugs.

In 2019, only Rs 18.76 crore was seized, but this year’s alarming figures signal an urgent need for vigilance. Special teams have been activated to curb the influence of these illegal tactics, ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. With election day fast approaching, the Election Commission is committed to making sure that voters’ choices are not swayed by illicit influences.