Record Amount of Bribes Seized Ahead of Indian Elections
NEW DELHI — In a stunning development, Indian election authorities have confiscated a record quantity of bribes, ranging from cash and booze to drugs and precious metals, as the country gears up for nationwide polls set to begin on Friday.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Monday that it had seized inducements worth over $550 million since March, marking the largest amount ever recovered in India’s 75-year electoral history.
This surge in bribery seizures represents a significant increase from the more than $400 million confiscated during the country’s last general election in 2019, according to the agency.
Notably, the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat, both strongholds of the ruling Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), recorded the highest total amounts of bribes exchanged. Gujarat led in drug seizures, while Rajasthan topped the list for “freebies” promised to voters in exchange for their support.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hailing from Gujarat, has previously criticized the practice of offering freebies for votes, warning against the culture of dependency it fosters among voters.
As the 2024 elections approach, the value of confiscated freebies has surged by nearly $130 million compared to the previous election cycle.
Despite BJP strongholds dominating certain categories of inducements, non-BJP-ruled states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka also saw significant seizures of cash and liquor, respectively.
The Election Commission emphasized its commitment to conducting elections free of inducements and electoral malpractices, highlighting the importance of a level playing field for all parties.
With nearly $900 million worth of seizures made in the months leading up to the elections, the ECI reported that drugs accounted for 75% of the total confiscations.
India’s ongoing battle against election corruption and malpractices is reflected in its ranking of 93rd out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.
Earlier this year, the Supreme Court of India made a landmark ruling by declaring electoral bonds “unconstitutional,” a move aimed at increasing transparency in political funding.
As India prepares for a six-week long election spanning seven phases, the nation’s political landscape is set for a major upheaval with Modi and his ruling party vying for a rare third consecutive term in power. — CNN
