The Election Commission of India (ECI) has confiscated unaccounted cash and goods worth ₹23.28 crore in Tamil Nadu over a two-day period. This action is part of increased surveillance efforts ahead of the Assembly elections. Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik stated that strict monitoring is ongoing in all 234 Assembly constituencies to prevent violations of the Model Code of Conduct.
To enforce compliance, the ECI has deployed nine flying squads and nine static surveillance teams in each constituency. A total of 2,160 flying squads and an equal number of field surveillance teams are operational across the State, forming a comprehensive monitoring network. Additionally, 25 inter-departmental units involving officials from various agencies are actively participating in inspections and raids to detect illegal inducements.
The Chief Electoral Officer emphasized that candidates are allowed to spend a maximum of ₹40 lakh per constituency. The Commission is closely monitoring all election-related expenditures to ensure adherence to prescribed limits. Notably, enforcement actions have led to the removal of 1.68 lakh illegal posters and advertisements for violating the Model Code of Conduct in Tamil Nadu.
Authorities have taken stringent measures, including registering 61 First Information Reports (FIRs) for various violations. Criminal proceedings have been initiated in multiple cases to address election-related malpractices. The ECI’s heightened vigilance aims to combat the misuse of money power and inducements during elections, especially in politically sensitive states like Tamil Nadu.
The Commission remains committed to conducting free, fair, and transparent polls through continuous monitoring and prompt enforcement actions as the election date approaches and political campaigns intensify.
