Assembly Elections 2026: Over Rs 865 Crore Seized in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced that over Rs 865 crore has been seized in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu during the ongoing assembly elections. The seizures were made by enforcement agencies in the two states, with West Bengal accounting for Rs 427 crore and Tamil Nadu accounting for Rs 438 crore.

The seizures were made after the ECI announced the schedule for the assembly elections in the two states on March 15. The ECI has strict guidelines in place to prevent the use of money power and other unfair means during the elections. The seizures include cash, liquor, and other valuables, and are a part of the ECI's efforts to ensure free and fair elections.

According to the ECI, the total value of seizures in West Bengal is Rs 427 crore, which includes Rs 81 crore worth of liquor. In Tamil Nadu, the total value of seizures is Rs 438 crore, which includes Rs 3 crore worth of liquor. The ECI has also announced that over 5,000 flying squad teams have been deployed in the two states to monitor the elections and prevent any irregularities.

The ECI has been conducting regular meetings with the chief secretaries, chief electoral officers, and other senior officials in the two states to review the election preparations and ensure that the elections are conducted in a free and fair manner. The commission has also set up district-level committees to address any complaints or grievances related to the elections.

The voting schedule for the assembly elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu has been announced. In West Bengal, the voting will take place in two phases, with the first phase on April 23 and the second phase on April 29. In Tamil Nadu, the voting will take place in a single phase on April 23. The counting of votes will take place on May 4.

The assembly elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are crucial, with the ruling parties in both states facing strong challenges from the opposition. The elections will also have a significant impact on national politics, with the outcome likely to influence the course of the Lok Sabha elections in 2024.

In West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing a strong challenge from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist). The TMC has been in power in the state since 2011 and is seeking to retain its majority. The BJP, on the other hand, is looking to make significant gains in the state and emerge as a major player in West Bengal politics.

In Tamil Nadu, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is facing a strong challenge from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). The DMK has been out of power in the state since 2011 and is seeking to regain its majority. The AIADMK, on the other hand, is looking to retain its majority and continue its rule in the state.