Electoral Commission reports Rs 7 crore cash seized in West Bengal within 12 days of Lok Sabha election announcement, highlighting concerns over potential electoral malpractice.
How much liquor was confiscated before voting ?
Within the past 12 days following the announcement of Lok Sabha elections on March 16, West Bengal has witnessed the seizure of over Rs 7 crore in cash and liquor exceeding Rs 30.96 crore, as revealed by Additional Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Arindam Neogi.
Since the declaration of Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission reports seizures including drugs valued at Rs 15.33 crore, undocumented jewellery worth Rs 22.63 crore, and freebies totaling Rs 52.94 crore, underlining a significant crackdown on illicit activities.
How is the Election Commission addressing financial sensitivity and smuggling concerns in six designated Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal ?
The Election Commission designates six Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal as ‘financially sensitive’, namely Darjeeling, Asansol, Malda South, Bongaon, Kolkata North, and Kolkata South. Notably, Malda South and Bongaon constituencies share international borders with Bangladesh, while Darjeeling district shares borders with Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. To curb the flow of cash and contraband smuggling, the EC has convened multiple meetings focusing on these constituencies.
Officials confirm deployment of central forces in Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar Lok Sabha constituencies for confidence-building measures ahead of the April 19 elections, featuring 17, 13, and 11 candidates respectively.
Electoral Commission: Rs 7 Crore Cash Seized in West Bengal Within 12 Days of Lok Sabha Election Announcement
Officials announce deployment of central forces in Cooch Behar (17 candidates), Jalpaiguri (13 candidates), and Alipurduar (11 candidates) Lok Sabha constituencies for confidence-building ahead of the April 19 elections.
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For the upcoming second phase of elections in Darjeeling, North Dinajpur, and South Dinajpur, 18 companies of central forces have been earmarked, contributing to a total deployment of 177 companies of central forces across West Bengal.
When are Alok Sinha and Anil Kumar Sharma expected to commence their duties as special observers in West Bengal, and what are their respective backgrounds ?
Two special observers appointed by the Election Commission, Alok Sinha and Anil Kumar Sharma, are set to assume their roles in West Bengal next week. Sinha, a retired 1988 batch IAS officer from Uttar Pradesh, served as additional chief secretary to the UP government and chairman of the Airports Authority of India. Sharma, a retired IPS officer of the 1984 batch from Punjab, previously served as intelligence chief in Punjab and was a special observer in the 2021 Assembly polls in Bengal.
In the bustling political landscape of India, the state of West Bengal has once again found itself under the scrutiny of electoral authorities. Within a mere 12 days of the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections, the Electoral Commission has seized a staggering Rs 7 crore in cash, shedding light on the intricate web of money power that often intertwines with the democratic process.
This revelation brings to the forefront the perennial issue of electoral malpractice and the relentless battle against it. Despite the elaborate mechanisms in place to ensure fair and transparent elections, the allure of illicit cash continues to cast a shadow over the democratic exercise.
The timing of these seizures is particularly significant, occurring in the initial days following the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections. It serves as a stark reminder of the entrenched culture of vote-buying and manipulation that plagues the electoral process, especially in regions known for their fierce political competition.
West Bengal, with its rich political history and diverse socio-cultural fabric, has often been a battleground for political parties vying for power. However, beneath the surface of passionate political discourse lies a darker underbelly of corruption and coercion, fueled by the influx of unaccounted-for cash.
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