Maharashtra Elections: Dry days in Mumbai; Liquor shops to remain closed for 4 days

Upcoming dry days in Mumbai: Learn about the key dates, liquor bans, and voter-friendly measures ahead of the 2024 Assembly polls.

India’s financial capital, Mumbai, along with other cities in Maharashtra, will experience several dry days in November due to the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2024. These dry days are mandated by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure smooth and peaceful polling.

WHAT ARE DRY DAYS?

Dry days are specific dates when the sale of alcohol is completely prohibited in a region.

Such bans are typically enforced during important national, religious, or cultural events, as well as during elections, to prevent disruptions.

KEY DATES FOR DRY DAYS IN MUMBAI

The Election Commission has announced the following dates for liquor bans:

• November 18: Sale of alcohol will be prohibited after 6 PM.
• November 19: A full dry day will be observed, one day before polling.
• November 20: On the voting day, alcohol sales will remain banned until 6 PM.
• November 23: A dry day will be enforced until 6 PM as the election results are declared.
• These measures aim to maintain order and ensure citizens participate responsibly in the democratic process.

MAHARASHTRA ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS: HOLIDAY ON VOTING DAY

The Maharashtra Assembly elections will be held on November 20, 2024, with all 288 constituencies voting in a single phase. The counting of votes and declaration of results will take place on November 23, 2024.

To encourage voter turnout, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared November 20 as a holiday for all employees working in businesses and offices within its jurisdiction.

• No penalties for absence: Employees cannot face salary deductions or other penalties for taking the day off to vote.
• Strict action for non-compliance: Employers violating this order will face strict action, as warned by BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani.

These measures highlight the efforts taken by authorities to ensure a smooth and peaceful election process while facilitating active voter participation.