Patna: The Election Commission of India today reported a substantial seizure of illicit materials intended for influencing voters in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. A combined effort by various enforcement agencies yielded a total value of Rs71.32 crore in seizures, which include cash, liquor, narcotic substances, precious metals, and other forms of freebies.
The Commission underscored that this coordinated vigil, enforced until October21, is part of a broader strategy to curb illegal activities and ensure strict compliance with the election rules and the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
Focus on Enforcement and Timely Response
To monitor the integrity of the polls, the EC has deployed a total of 824 flying squads across Bihar. These teams are tasked with ensuring a transparent and fair election process, with the Commission stating its goal to respond to election-related complaints within a strict 100-minute timeframe.
In a push for citizen participation in maintaining clean elections, the EC has also made it easier for the public and political parties to report violations. Complaints regarding breaches of the MCC can be filed instantly via the C-Vigil mobile application or the ECINET digital platform.
Liquor Seizure Raises Concern
A specific point of concern highlighted by the Commission is the significant seizure of illicit liquor. The large quantities of alcohol recovered during the election season are particularly alarming given that Bihar has been under total prohibition since 2016. This suggests continued challenges in enforcing the liquor ban, especially during high-stakes electoral periods.
The Bihar Assembly elections will be conducted in two phases: the first on November 6 and the second on November 11. The vote count is scheduled for November 14. The entire election schedule was announced by the Commission on October 6.
