Mumbai, Palghar, Kalyan and Thane to Observe Dry Days due to Lok Sabha Elections
Mumbai, Palghar, Kalyan and Thane to Observe Dry Days due to Lok Sabha Elections
In Mumbai, bars and wine shops will shut down from 5 PM on 18th May and resume operations at 5 PM on 20th May.
16th May 2024
Mumbai, along with Palghar, Kalyan and Thane, will experience dry days from 18th to 20th May due to the fifth phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. These constituencies are pivotal in Maharashtra and will observe dry days during this period.
According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the dry days directive extends not only to the constituency holding the election but also to its neighbouring constituencies. This regulation aims to maintain fairness and tranquillity throughout the affected regions during the election period.
In Mumbai, bars and wine shops will shut down from 5 PM on 18th May and resume operations at 5 PM on 20th May. Additionally, all such establishments will remain closed on polling day to uphold public order. Another dry day will be observed in Mumbai on 4th June during the vote counting process until the results are announced.
Reports indicate that dry days will be enforced in Gurgaon, Haryana, from 6 PM on 23rd May to 6 PM on 25th May due to the Lok Sabha Elections. During this period, alcohol sales will also be prohibited in the Delhi-NCR region.
In Kolkata, there are seven dry days scheduled for May, impacting one full weekend and part of another. The specified dry days include 18th May, commencing from 6 PM, and the entirety of 19th May. Additionally, 20th May will observe a liquor ban until the conclusion of polling.
Pune, Shirur and Maval constituencies had previously announced dry days within polling areas on 13th May. The sale of liquor was prohibited from 6 PM on 11th May until 6 PM on 13th May in these regions.
In order to conduct the elections in a peaceful manner, this comes as a necessary step. Dry days during election time are enforced to maintain law and order, ensure a fair electoral process and discourage the influence of alcohol on voters.
Alcohol consumption can sometimes lead to disorderly conduct, violence or undue influence on voters. By implementing dry days, the Election Commission of India aims to create a peaceful and fair environment for elections, where voters can make informed decisions without external pressures or disturbances related to alcohol consumption. Additionally, it helps prevent the misuse of alcohol for electoral gains and promotes a level playing field for all candidates.
