NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued comprehensive directions to various enforcement agencies to curb the use of money power, freebies, liquor, and narcotics in the upcoming Bihar Legislative Assembly elections. The move comes in the wake of the election schedule announced on October 6, 2025, which also includes bye-elections in eight Assembly Constituencies.
The ECI’s latest directive aims to ensure free, fair, and inducement-free elections by enhancing surveillance and coordination among multiple enforcement and regulatory bodies. Agencies such as the State Police, State Excise Department, Income Tax Department, Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Central and State GST authorities, Customs, Enforcement Directorate (ED), and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) have been placed on high alert.
Other participating entities include the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Department of Post, State Forest Department, and State Co-operative Department. These agencies have been directed to maintain constant vigilance against the flow of illicit cash, drugs, and other items that could influence voters.
Expenditure Monitoring and Surveillance
The Commission has already deployed Expenditure Observers who have reached their respective constituencies on the day of the election notification. These officials will coordinate with district-level teams to monitor candidate expenditure and ensure compliance with the Model Code of Conduct.
To strengthen real-time tracking, the ECI has operationalised the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS), a digital platform that allows Flying Squads, Surveillance Teams, and other enforcement units to report seizures and interceptions instantaneously. So far, enforcement agencies have seized goods worth ₹33.97 crore, including cash, liquor, drugs, and freebies.
Ensuring Voter Convenience, The Commission emphasised that while strict monitoring is necessary, enforcement actions must not inconvenience or harass ordinary citizens. It has urged all authorities to balance vigilance with sensitivity in carrying out inspections and vehicle checks.
Additionally, citizens have been encouraged to report any suspicious activities or violations through the C-Vigil App, which allows the public to share geo-tagged photos or videos of potential breaches directly with election authorities.
With these coordinated efforts, the Election Commission seeks to uphold the integrity of the democratic process in Bihar and prevent any form of inducement that could compromise fair electoral practices.
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