NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Friday urged enforcement agencies and security forces to take proactive measures during the Bihar elections to prevent the use of drugs, liquor, and cash to influence voters. The meeting focused on creating a comprehensive strategy to address the harmful effects of cash and other incentives in elections, according to the poll authority. Various agencies presented their preparations, the actions they have taken, and their proposed measures to ensure elections free from inducements. The briefings covered a broad range of topics related to limiting the use of money and other inducements that could corrupt the electoral process, the EC stated.
The commission emphasized the need for cooperation and intelligence sharing among law enforcement agencies to effectively combat economic crimes. It highlighted the importance of coordination within each enforcement agency at the national, state, and district levels. Additionally, the commission instructed these agencies to map constituencies to monitor the transportation of smuggled goods, drugs, liquor, and cash, including counterfeit currency, across state and international borders. The agencies were also asked to adopt a policy of ‘zero-tolerance’ to ensure free and fair elections in Bihar.