Bengal polls: Cash, liquor, drugs worth Rs 181 crore seized as mode of conduct enforcement intensifies

Kolkata: The model code of conduct (MCC) is being strictly enforced across all 294 assembly constituencies in West Bengal, with authorities seizing cash, liquor, drugs and freebies worth over Rs 181 crore, officials said.

Elections to the 294-member West Bengal assembly will be held in two phases - on April 23 and April 29. Votes will be counted on May 4.

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Extensive drives have also been carried out to remove unauthorised political advertisements, they said.

Widespread public and private property defacements have been cleared across all districts, a statement issued by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said.

A total of 3,11,829 defacements of public property and 19,901 of private property have been removed, with 3,58,986 cases registered across districts, it said.

"Strict vigil is being maintained throughout the state to ensure that the model code of conduct is implemented in letter and spirit," a senior poll panel official said.

More than 1,800 Flying Squad Teams (FSTs) and over 2,200 Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs) have been deployed to respond to complaints, and check illegal transportation of cash and other materials, the officials said.

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On the law and order front, Kolkata Police, along with central forces, intervened in incidents in Baranagar and Kalighat to prevent escalation of tensions and ensure public peace, they said.

Police have also made arrests in cases related to criminal intimidation and voter threat, while unlicensed arms and explosives have been seized as part of intensified surveillance, the statement said.