The Election Commission of India said on Wednesday that its checks across the state of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal had crossed… $1000 Crores. This statement issued by the polling body comes one day before the House of Representatives elections in the two states.
This move comes from the European Commission with the implementation of the Electoral Control Management System (ESMS) on February 26, 2026.
According to data released by the European Commission, a total of $Rs 472.89 crore in cash, liquor, precious metals, drugs and free gifts were seized in West Bengal, and $599.24 crores in Tamil Nadu.
“The committee also stressed that enforcement authorities should ensure that ordinary citizens are not inconvenienced or harassed during screening and inspection to implement these directions. The committee also added that grievance committees have been constituted at the district level to address any grievances in this regard,” the committee added.
According to the EC statement seen by HT, the seizures made on Wednesday relate to the general elections and by-elections in both the states.
In addition, the polling body also reported that they had seized items of value $1,262 crore in Tamil Nadu
According to a PTI report, Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik said the EC seized money, gold, liquor and drugs worth $1,262 crore in the state.
Patnaik added that this cash amount amounts to $Rs 543 crore was seized during inspection of vehicles by surveillance teams.
Tamil Nadu, Bengal to vote on April 23
Tamil Nadu and West Bengal will go to the polls on Thursday, April 23. While Tamil Nadu will vote in one go, the elections in Bengal have been divided into two phases. The second phase for Bengal is scheduled to be held on April 29.
The results and counting of votes for both Tamil Nadu and Bengal will be conducted on May 4, 2026, according to the schedule released by the Election Commission.
