Election Commission Flags 55 Constituencies in West Bengal as Expenditure Sensitive Ahead of Polls
West Bengal polls: ECI flags 55 seats as 'expenditure sensitive'
The Economic Times
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The Election Commission of India has designated 55 assembly constituencies in West Bengal as 'expenditure sensitive' due to rising illegal cash and goods seizures. With ₹430.04 crore seized in Bengal, the state ranks second in illegal activities related to elections, following Tamil Nadu.
- 0155 constituencies in West Bengal identified as expenditure sensitive.
- 02Total seizures in Bengal amount to ₹430.04 crore, including cash and drugs.
- 03Tamil Nadu leads with ₹438 crore in total seizures.
- 04Key constituencies include those in North 24 Parganas and Kolkata.
- 05The presence of illegal activities has raised concerns ahead of the elections.
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The Election Commission of India (ECI) has flagged 55 assembly constituencies in West Bengal as 'expenditure sensitive' due to a significant rise in illegal cash and goods seizures associated with the upcoming elections. The ECI has appointed 100 expenditure observers, the highest among the five states and one Union Territory (UT) going to polls. As of April 16, total seizures in West Bengal reached ₹430.04 crore (approximately $52 million USD), which includes ₹21.56 crore in cash, ₹54 crore in precious metals, ₹171.76 crore in freebies, ₹86 crore in drugs, and ₹82.68 crore in liquor. The state ranks second in the nation for total seizures, following Tamil Nadu, which has reported ₹438 crore in illegal activities. Key areas identified include constituencies in North 24 Parganas, particularly those near the Indo-Bangladesh border, as well as several in Kolkata. The Bhabanipur constituency is notable for its high-profile electoral contest between West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari.
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The identification of these constituencies as expenditure sensitive could lead to increased scrutiny and enforcement actions during the elections, affecting candidates and voters alike.
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