This week, Mumbai will observe four “dry days” as part of the Election Commission’s efforts to ensure the smooth conduct of the Maharashtra Assembly elections. On these days, the sale of alcohol will be prohibited to minimize disturbances and prevent voters from falling prey to undue external pressures.
The Election Commission has outlined the following dates for alcohol restrictions in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and other areas:
– November 18: Partial prohibition on the sale of liquor after 6 PM.
– November 19: Full ban on alcohol sales (dry day) before the elections.
– November 20: No alcohol sales on election day, extending until 6 PM.
– November 23: Partial restrictions until 6 PM during the result declaration process.
These measures aim to ensure the safety of the public and maintain the integrity of the election process.
Polling for the 288 assembly constituencies of Maharashtra will be held in a single phase on November 20, with the results scheduled for November 23. The state is witnessing intense competition between the Mahayuti (BJP-led alliance) and Maha Vikas Aghadi (Congress-NCP-Shiv Sena alliance), making this election particularly significant.
The Election Commission (EC) has verified that 97 million eligible voters are expected to take part in this particular election making it a crucial event for the political scenery of Maharashtra.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has outdated anyone currently working in and outside its territory incorporating this date as a public holiday from business activities to all offices under its control. The purpose of this move is to eliminate work related hindrances and increase the number of voters.
As BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, all employees above the age of 18 years, who will be casting their votes, shall not be subject to any penalty or salary deduction for going on leave on the day of the elections.
Prior to the said election-related dry days, dry days were also announced in Mumbai and some parts of the country on November 12 in honor of the festive day of Kartik Ekadashi.
In addition, the restrictions on selling liquor and announcing a public holiday point to the intention of the EC to provide a very orderly and credible elections. Most of the voters are already preparing for the elections of the Maharashtra Assembly, and hence, the focus will be on the campaign and the outcome which will influence the politics in this particular state.
