Maharashtra: Election Commission seizes Rs 26 cr cash, 1 lakh litre liquor ahead of polls

Maharashtra State Election Commission said on Saturday Rs 26 crore in cash and over one lakh litres of liquor had been seized ahead of elections to 147 municipal councils and 18 nagar panchayats across 25 districts in the state on Sunday. Giving this information, State Election Commissioner JS Saharia said preparations were in place for a smooth polling.

As many as 3,705 members of civic bodies and 147 municipal council presidents will be elected. The total number of voters is 58,49,171 and there are 7,691 polling stations, he said.

Since the code of conduct came into force, Rs 26 crore in cash and 1.24 lakh litres of liquor were seized, he said. Saharia said no nominations were received for Shirala nagar panchayat in Sangli district, while 28 candidates have been elected unopposed as there were no rival nominations. Home guards would be deployed for security along with the police and the State Reserve Police Force will be used if needed, he said.