Panaji: Stepped up monitoring by the state’s enforcement agencies has led to Goa heading for its highest ever seizures of poll inducements in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections on May 7, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI).
State-wise information of election seizures shared by the ECI on Monday, reveals that, total seizures in Goa, from March 1 to April 13, amounted to Rs 26.2 crore, of which Rs 15.6 crore is by way of cash, Rs 2.3 crore from liquor seizures, Rs 3.2 crore from drugs, Rs 3.8 crore from precious metals, and freebies valued at Rs 1.2 crore.
Comparatively in Lok Sabha 2019 elections, the seizures in the state were valued at only Rs 11 crore, according to past information disclosed by the ECI.
Goa’s high seizures are in line with the all-India trend where a record Rs 4,650 crore, so far has been seized across 36 states and union territories.
Among states the highest seizures are from Rajasthan (Rs 778 crore), Gujarat (Rs 505 crore), Tamil Nadu (Rs 460 crore) and Maharashtra (Rs 431 crore).
According to the ECI, the higher seizures this elections reflects the commitment to monitor inducements and curb electoral malpractices for a, ‘level playing field’, particularly in favour of smaller and less resourceful parties. Strict action has been taken against government officials who are found assisting politicians in campaigning.
Preparatory for election monitoring began in the months of January and February, preceding the elections when countrywide seizures totaled Rs 7,502 crores, in form of cash, liquor, drugs, and precious metals.
Further, the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS), implemented this election has brought all enforcement agencies on one platform through use of technology. The ESMS allows real time reporting of interceptions and seizures, and avoids duplication of seizures. The portal facilitates digital trails and availability of seizure information at the click of a mouse enabling quick and timely reviews at all controlling levels.
The focus of seizures in the elections this year is on drugs and narcotics which can be used to influence elections and on account of drugs pose a serious social menace to harm youth.