New Delhi, Oct 15 : The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday issued strict directives to enforcement agencies to curb the use of money power, distribution of freebies, and other inducements in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
To ensure transparency and a level playing field, Expenditure Observers have been deployed across all constituencies to closely monitor election related spending. Flying squads and surveillance teams will remain active around the clock to detect any suspicious activity involving cash, liquor, drugs, or other incentives aimed at influencing voters.
The Election Seizure Management System (ESMS) has been activated to enable real time reporting of seizures and interceptions by various enforcement agencies. Citizens can also report violations through the C Vigil app.
Since the Bihar elections were announced on October 6, authorities have already seized over Rs 33.97 crore worth of cash, liquor, drugs, and other inducements.
The Bihar Assembly elections are scheduled in two phases on November 6 and 11, while bye elections in eight assembly constituencies across seven states will also be held on November 11. Vote counting for all elections is slated for November 14.
The ECI has emphasized that enforcement measures should be conducted without causing inconvenience or harassment to ordinary citizens, maintaining a balance between strict oversight and public ease.