The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday issued strict directives to all enforcement agencies to curb the use of money power, freebies, and illicit substances during the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections and bye-elections in eight constituencies.
Expenditure Observers have been deployed across all constituencies to closely monitor the candidates’ spending since the election schedule was announced on October 6. These observers are coordinating with field teams to ensure transparency and adherence to expenditure rules.
Flying Squads, Surveillance Teams, and Video Surveillance Teams have been ordered to maintain round-the-clock vigilance to detect and prevent any attempts to influence voters through cash or inducements. To strengthen enforcement, the ECI has activated the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS), an online platform for real-time reporting of seizures and interceptions during the election period.
Since the announcement of the polls, enforcement agencies have seized ₹33.97 crore worth of cash, liquor, drugs, and other illegal inducements. The ECI emphasized that while strict action is being taken, ordinary citizens must not face undue inconvenience or harassment during inspections.
The Commission also urged voters to use the C-Vigil App to report any violations or suspicious activities, ensuring that citizens play an active role in maintaining the integrity and fairness of the electoral process.
