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EC Seizures Total Rs 1,445 Crore in 2026 Assembly Elections; Tamil Nadu Leads in Cash, West Bengal in Liquor and Drugs
The Election Commission reported inducements worth Rs 1,445 crore seized during elections to five assemblies, a 40.14% rise from 2021. Tamil Nadu led in cash seizures while West Bengal led in liquor and drugs, with detailed breakdowns across cash, liquor, and drugs.
Why It Matters
The data highlight the scale of electoral malpractices and the ongoing effort to ensure fair voting.
Timeline
4 Events
May 7, 2026: Seizure growth vs 2021 elections
May 7, 2026
The total seizures represent a 40.14% increase from Rs 1,029.93 crore seized in the 2021 elections. West Bengal saw the highest increase at 68.92%, and Tamil Nadu's seizures rose by 48.40% compared with 2021.
May 7, 2026: Election Commission announces total seizures and breakdown
May 7, 2026
The Election Commission said inducements worth Rs 1,445 crore were seized during the elections. The seizures include nearly Rs 155 crore in illicit cash, liquor worth Rs 183.33 crore (around 70 lakh litres), and drugs worth nearly Rs 3,338 crore. West Bengal topped recoveries in liquor and drugs at Rs 30.28 crore, while Puducherry reported no drug recoveries. Cash, liquor, drugs and other inducements such as sarees, clothes, pressure cookers, utensils and televisions were used to sway electors. Tamil Nadu topped in cash seizures.
May 4, 2026: Votes counted
May 4, 2026
Votes were counted on May 4, 2026, for the five assemblies.
April 2026: Elections held across five assemblies
April 2026
Elections to the five assemblies—West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry—were held in April 2026.