Page 168 - Leap of Faith Vol - 2

Leap of Faith Journey of Indian Elections

Two days ahead of the scheduled polls, the election in the General Elections, 2019. The value of the seized
Vellore Parliamentary Constituency (Tamil Nadu) was goods are indicated as below -
rescinded on April 16, 2019. Thus one constituency was
dropped from the Schedule. The step was taken after the
Income Tax Department, unearthed a systematic design to Item Seized Value in Crores of Rupees
influence voters through inducements that comes under Cash 844.00
purview of corrupt practices according to Representation
Liquor 304.61
of People Act, 1951. The Special Expenditure Observer for
Tamil Nadu in her report dated April 8, had opined the Drug/Narco cs 1279.90
situation was not conducive for conducting free and fair
Precious Metals 987.11
elections. Election was later conducted in the Constituency
separately on August 8, 2019. Other Freebies 60.15

Various enforcement agencies acted with alacrity to Total 3,475.77
prevent money power, in its various manifestations, from
vitiating the electoral process. A large quantity of cash,
liquor, drugs, narcotics, precious metals (gold and silver)
and other items meant for distribution as freebies
amongst voters were recovered by enforcement
agencies/state police across various states/UTs during

Cash Seizures

150