Andhra Pradesh Election Commission Seizes Assets Worth Rs 176 Crore Ahead of Polls

Andhra Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Kumar Meena announced on Wednesday that the Election Commission has confiscated assets totaling Rs 176 crore since January 1, in preparation for the simultaneous Legislative Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. The seizures comprised cash, precious metals, narcotics, and other items.

During a press conference at the secretariat, Meena disclosed that recent seizures worth Rs 3.39 crore included liquor, cash, drugs, and freebies. Liquor accounted for Rs 1.6 crore, cash Rs 80 lakh, and the remaining balance included drugs and freebies.

Meena elaborated on the Election Commission's monitoring efforts, highlighting daily assessments of liquor production and storage to compare trends with the previous year. This scrutiny aims to ensure that liquor is not used to influence voters, as per Election Commission guidelines.

Since the commencement of the Model Code of Conduct, authorities have removed two lakh political posters, banners, and hoardings from public places, along with 1.5 lakh items from private premises. Additionally, 94 cases were registered for property defacement and 37 for vehicle misuse and other violations.

Meena noted that the Election Commission has swiftly addressed complaints, with 74 percent resolved within 100 minutes through the CVigil app. The commission aims to resolve 95 percent of complaints within the same timeframe.