The Election Commission of India has announced that its seizures in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have surpassed ₹1,000 crores ahead of the assembly elections in both states.
This move comes after the implementation of the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS) on February 26, 2026.
According to the data issued by the EC, ₹472.89 crores in cash, liquor, precious metals, drugs, and freebies were seized in West Bengal, while ₹599.24 crores were seized in Tamil Nadu.
The Commission has emphasized that ordinary citizens should not be inconvenienced or harassed during the checking and inspection for the enforcement of these directives.
Additionally, the polling body seized items worth ₹1,262 crores in Tamil Nadu, with cash amounting to ₹543 crore seized during vehicle checks by surveillance teams.
Tamil Nadu and West Bengal will be heading to the polls on April 23, with the results and counting of votes scheduled for May 4, 2026.
