Delhi elections: Items worth over Rs 21 crore seized within week of MCC coming into force

The Delhi Chief Electoral Office (CEO) announced on Monday that cash and other items, including liquor, worth over Rs 21 crore have been seized within a week of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) being implemented ahead of the Assembly elections in the capital.

The MCC came into effect on January 7, immediately following the announcement of the election schedule. Voting for Delhi’s 70 Assembly constituencies is set for February 5, with results to be declared on February 8.

The MCC, issued by the Election Commission (EC), is designed to ensure free and fair elections by regulating the conduct of political parties and candidates. It covers aspects such as meetings, processions, election manifestos, polling, and general behaviour during the electoral process.

According to the Delhi CEO’s office, East Delhi recorded the highest value of seized items at ₹6.83 crore, followed by South Delhi with ₹6.81 crore. New Delhi reported the lowest seizures, worth Rs 3.9 lakh.

In total, items valued at Rs 21.89 crore have been confiscated across Delhi. The seized assets include Rs 9.8 crore in cash, precious metals worth Rs 6.1 crore, drugs valued at Rs 5.05 crore, freebies worth over Rs 47 lakh, and liquor worth more than Rs 45 lakh.

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Earlier in the day, Delhi Chief Electoral Officer Alice Vaz assured the media that preparations for the elections are progressing smoothly. She noted that training programs for polling personnel have commenced, and critical data related to nominations, permissions, and enforcement activities is being monitored on a daily basis.

Vaz highlighted the importance of identifying vulnerable and critical polling stations to ensure smooth voting. “We will follow all the instructions of the Election Commission of India for the mapping of the vulnerable polling stations,” she said.

She also mentioned that police deployments and security arrangements for the elections are yet to be finalised.

(With inputs from PTI)