POLIQ
political-defection
election-commission-of-india
India Battles Persistent 'Cash-for-Votes' in Elections
India's Election Commission (ECI) continues to battle pervasive 'cash-for-votes' politics, with recent elections seeing massive seizures of illicit inducements. Authorities recovered over ₹1,000 crore worth of cash, liquor, drugs, and other freebies during the Tamil Nadu and West Bengal assembly polls. Nationally, the ECI seized nearly ₹9,000 crore in such inducements during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. While offering or accepting gratification for votes remains illegal under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, its normalization poses a significant threat to democratic integrity. The ECI employs measures like dedicated flying squads, surveillance teams, and the cVIGIL app for public reporting to curb this widespread practice.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
ECI seized over ₹1,000 crore in illicit inducements during recent state assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
National seizures across the 2024 Lok Sabha elections amounted to nearly ₹9,000 crore.
The inducements include cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and freebies, aimed at influencing voters.
Despite being illegal, 'cash-for-votes' is a normalized practice undermining fair elections.
WHY IT MATTERS
The persistent challenge of 'cash-for-votes' directly threatens the fairness and integrity of India's democratic process, potentially distorting voter choice and undermining public trust in elected representatives. Effective mitigation is crucial for upholding the foundational principles of free and fair elections.
Sources
Election Commission seizes over ₹408 crore worth illicit inducements ahead of assembly elections — What we know | Today News - Mint ↗Election Commission reports seizure of over 510 crore rupees during West Bengal Assembly elections | Akashvani News - Newsonair ↗Massive Poll Crackdown In TN: ₹100 Cr Cash Seized Before Voting Day | EC Seizures Hit ₹1000 Cr Mark - YouTube ↗