General Elections and bye-elections 2026: Seizures surpass Rs 865 crores in TN and WB

• Election Commission of India (ECI) announced schedule on 15 March 2026 for Legislative Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal plus bye-elections.
• As enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), seizures of cash, liquor, drugs, freebies and precious metals crossed ₹865 crore in TN + WB by mid-April 2026.
• Relevant for UPSC GS-II (Representation of People, ECI, electoral reforms) — illustrates use of expenditure monitoring machinery (FST/SST/C-Vigil) to curb electoral malpractice under Section 171B/171E IPC and RPA 1951.