Maharashtra elections: Dry days in Mumbai and other cities as liquor shops remain closed – Times of India

Mumbai is gearing up 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 alcohol will be strictly prohibited in Mumbai and other cities on certain days to ensure a smooth election process.
Liquor ban schedule for Mumbai and other cities:
These restrictions are part of efforts to maintain law and order during the election period, a common practice during important national, cultural or religious events. Dry days are enforced to avoid disruptions and ensure voters can exercise their rights without any influence from alcohol.
The Election Commission has announced that elections to all 288 Assembly constituencies in Maharashtra will be held in a single phase on November 20, 2024. Counting of votes and declaration of results are scheduled for November 23, 2024.
In addition to the liquor ban, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared November 20 as a public holiday for all employees working in companies and offices within BMC limits. This step is aimed at ensuring maximum voter turnout in the elections, by giving citizens the opportunity to cast their votes without work-related restrictions.
BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has issued a directive warning employers against non-compliance. He also assured that employees will not face disciplinary action or salary deductions if they take leave on election day, encouraging everyone to participate in the democratic process.
Before the election-related dry days, Mumbai and other cities like Thane and Pune experienced a dry day 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 and ensure that state elections run smoothly and without incident.