Mumbai is bracing for a series of dry days in November as part of preparations for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the sale of liquor will be strictly prohibited in Mumbai and other cities on select days to ensure a smooth electoral process.
Liquor ban schedule for Mumbai and other cities:
- November 18: There will be a ban on sale of liquor after 6 pm.
- November 19: A complete dry day will be observed a day before the crucial polling day.
- November 20: There will be a ban on sale of liquor till 6 pm on election day.
- November 23: There will be a ban on sale of liquor till 6 pm after the announcement of Maharashtra Assembly election results by the ECI.
These restrictions are part of efforts to maintain public order during election periods, which is a common practice during important national, cultural or religious events. Dry days are imposed to prevent disruptions and ensure that voters can exercise their rights without the influence of alcohol.
The Election Commission has announced that voting for all 288 assembly constituencies of Maharashtra will be held in a single phase on November 20, 2024. Counting of votes and declaration of results is scheduled for November 23, 2024.
Apart from the liquor ban, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared November 20 as a public holiday for all employees working in businesses and offices within the BMC limits. The move aims to ensure maximum turnout by giving citizens the opportunity to cast their vote without work-related constraints.
BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has issued a directive warning employers against any non-compliance. While encouraging everyone to participate in the democratic process, he also assured that employees will not face any disciplinary action or salary cut for taking leave on election day.
Ahead of the election-related dry days, Mumbai and other cities like Thane and Pune observed dry days on November 12 due to the religious occasion of Kartik Ekadashi.
These measures reflect the efforts of the Election Commission and local authorities to maintain the integrity of the electoral process, ensuring that state elections proceed smoothly and without incident.
