New Delhi: The Election Commission of India on Thursday said enforcement agencies have seized illicit inducements worth over ₹408 crore aimed at influencing voters across four states and one Union Territory ahead of the Assembly elections 2026.

According to the poll body, the Electronic Seizure Management System (ESMS) was activated on February 26, ahead of the formal announcement of elections and by-elections on March 15.

Since then, authorities have confiscated illegal election materials worth ₹408.82 crore, including ₹17.44 crore in cash, liquor valued at ₹37.68 crore (over 16.3 lakh litres), drugs worth ₹167.38 crore, precious metals amounting to ₹23 crore, and other freebies exceeding ₹163.30 crore.

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The Election Commission crackdown highlights intensified efforts to curb illegal cash distribution, liquor supply, and drug trafficking during elections, which are often used to influence voter behaviour.

In addition, a total of 70,944 complaints were filed between March 15 and 25 through the cVIGIL app, which enables citizens to report model code of conduct violations in real time.

Of these, 70,831 complaints have been resolved, with 67,899 cases — accounting for 95.8 per cent — addressed within 100 minutes, reflecting improved response efficiency by election authorities.

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The cVIGIL mobile application plays a key role in ensuring transparency and quick enforcement during elections by allowing voters to flag issues such as bribery, illegal campaigning, and misuse of public resources.

The Assembly elections 2026 are scheduled to be held next month in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Kerala, with authorities stepping up monitoring to ensure free and fair polls.

PTI