The Election Commission of India (ECI) has intensified enforcement measures ahead of the 2026 General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, along with bye-elections. The poll schedule was announced on March 15, 2026, with the Commission directing all State and Union Territory governments to strictly enforce the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) to ensure free and fair elections.

In preparation, the ECI has conducted a series of high-level review meetings with Chief Secretaries, Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs), Directors General of Police (DGPs), and senior officials from poll-bound states and neighbouring regions. Enforcement agencies have been instructed to maintain strict vigilance and ensure that elections remain free from violence, intimidation, and inducements.

To strengthen monitoring on the ground, more than 2,728 Flying Squad Teams (FSTs) have been deployed across the states. These teams are tasked with responding swiftly to complaints, with a mandate to act within 100 minutes. Additionally, over 3,142 Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs) have been positioned to set up surprise checkpoints (nakas) at strategic locations, helping intercept illegal activities.

Special enforcement drives are also underway targeting the manufacture, storage, and distribution of illicit liquor, a common means of influencing voters. These coordinated efforts are being tracked through the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS), which was activated on February 26, 2026.

According to data compiled up to April 27, 2026, West Bengal has recorded a significant volume of seizures. Authorities have confiscated cash worth ₹30 crore, over 48.46 lakh litres of liquor valued at ₹126.85 crore, drugs worth ₹110.12 crore, precious metals valued at ₹58.28 crore, and other inducements or freebies worth ₹184.85 crore.

In total, seizures in the state have surpassed ₹510 crore, marking a sharp increase compared to the ₹339 crore recorded during the 2021 Assembly elections. The figures highlight the scale of enforcement activity and the Commission’s resolve to curb electoral malpractices.