 "LS polls: Black money seized higher than in 2009")
During the campaign for the current Lok Sabha elections, authorities have seized Rs 250 crore in unaccounted cash across the country, a rise of 31.5 per cent compared to Rs 190 crore seized during the 2009 Lok Sabha polls.
So far, 349 constituencies have voted in the six phases of the elections so far; polling for 194 constituencies is yet to take place.
Unaccounted cash is usually meant to influence voters. This time, to prevent the movement of such cash, the Election Commission has taken several steps, including the appointment of expenditure observers for every Lok Sabha constituency.
On Friday, a surveillance team seized Rs 8 crore in cash from a person travelling in a public vehicle in Shamshabad in Andhra Pradesh. On Wednesday, 17 constituencies in the state will go to the polls.
Authorities have also seized intoxicants such as heroin and liquor in large quantities. So far, 13 million litres of liquor and 104 kg of heroin have been confiscated.
The most unaccounted cash and liquor — Rs 110 crore and 7.7 million litres of liquor — have been seized in Andhra Pradesh. This was followed by Tamil Nadu, where authorities seized Rs 39 crore in cash; in Karnataka, Rs 20.52 crore in cash was confiscated.
The quantity of liquor seized was the second-highest in Gujarat, a dry state.
A member of the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR), a non-profit entity working for electoral reforms in India, said though the role of black money in elections had grown, the Election Commission’s observation standards, too, had improved through the years.
“Inflation has led to expenditure overflow in elections, leading to situations in which black money is used extensively. However, the observation standards and mechanism have also improved, leading to more seizures of cash and material by the Election Commission,” said an ADR member.
So far, 349 constituencies have voted in the six phases of the elections so far; polling for 194 constituencies is yet to take place.
Unaccounted cash is usually meant to influence voters. This time, to prevent the movement of such cash, the Election Commission has taken several steps, including the appointment of expenditure observers for every Lok Sabha constituency.
On Friday, a surveillance team seized Rs 8 crore in cash from a person travelling in a public vehicle in Shamshabad in Andhra Pradesh. On Wednesday, 17 constituencies in the state will go to the polls.
| INFLUENCED ELECTIONS |
Seizures made so far from across the country after the model code of conduct came into force on March 5
Source: Election Commission |
Authorities have also seized intoxicants such as heroin and liquor in large quantities. So far, 13 million litres of liquor and 104 kg of heroin have been confiscated.
The most unaccounted cash and liquor — Rs 110 crore and 7.7 million litres of liquor — have been seized in Andhra Pradesh. This was followed by Tamil Nadu, where authorities seized Rs 39 crore in cash; in Karnataka, Rs 20.52 crore in cash was confiscated.
The quantity of liquor seized was the second-highest in Gujarat, a dry state.
A member of the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR), a non-profit entity working for electoral reforms in India, said though the role of black money in elections had grown, the Election Commission’s observation standards, too, had improved through the years.
“Inflation has led to expenditure overflow in elections, leading to situations in which black money is used extensively. However, the observation standards and mechanism have also improved, leading to more seizures of cash and material by the Election Commission,” said an ADR member.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%