Shillong, October 15: As Telangana gears up for the upcoming Assembly elections next month, the state is experiencing a significant surge in the seizure of cash, gold, liquor, and other items.
Since the implementation of the model code of conduct on October 9, enforcement agencies have confiscated assets valued at nearly Rs 75 crore across the state.
As per IANS, the authorities have seized Rs 48.32 crore in cash, 37.4 kilograms of gold, 365 kilograms of silver, and 42.203 carat diamonds, amounting to Rs 17.50 crore in value. Additionally, during extensive checks conducted across the state and at inter-state borders, enforcement agencies seized 1,33,832 liters of liquor (worth Rs 4.72 crore), 900 kilograms of ganja (valued at Rs 2.48 crore), 627 sarees, 43,700 kilograms of rice, 80 sewing machines, 87 cookers, two cars, and various other items totaling Rs 1.90 crore.
The Election Commission of India has announced that the state Assembly elections, comprising 119 members, will be conducted in a single phase on November 30. In light of previous complaints about widespread distribution of money, liquor, and freebies during state elections, the Election Commission has issued stringent instructions to both state and central enforcement agencies.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar emphasized the commitment to ensuring inducement-free elections and directed enforcement agencies to act rigorously against the use of money power during the electoral process. He stated, “The perception or actual reality of misuse of money power and freebies distribution by various political parties or candidates is not in the best interest of democracy.”
