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As per the election body, the restrictions will begin on November 18 and end on November 23, which is also the counting day.
On November 19, a complete ban on alcohol will be enforced, with all shops ordered to close for the day. (PTI file photo)
In view of the November 20 assembly elections in Maharashtra, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has imposed restrictions on the sale of alcohol across the state.
The dry days will apply to Mumbai and other cities in Maharashtra.
As per the election body, the restrictions will begin on November 18 and end on November 23, which is also the counting day.
On November 19, a complete ban on alcohol will be enforced, with all shops ordered to close for the day. On the other days, there are time restrictions on alcohol sales. Below is the full schedule provided by the ECI:
- November 18: Alcohol sales prohibited from 6 pm onwards.
- November 19: Total ban on alcohol for the entire day.
- November 20: Alcohol sales banned till 6 pm.
- November 23: Alcohol sales banned till 6 pm (counting day).
In addition to the alcohol ban, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared November 20 a holiday for all businesses and offices under its jurisdiction. The BMC has also instructed employers not to deduct pay or impose penalties on employees who take the day off to vote, Hindustan Times reported.
About 2024 Maharashtra assembly election:
Maharashtra will vote on November 20 for its 288 assembly seats. The state is divided into several regions, with Western Maharashtra accounting for 70 seats, Vidarbha 62, Marathwada 46, Thane-Konkan 39, Mumbai 36, and North Maharashtra 35.
This election sees two major alliances: Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Mahayuti consists mainly of the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), while MVA includes Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction).
The Mahayuti alliance is banking on its popular schemes, such as “Majhi Ladki Bahin,” aimed at supporting women, to help it retain power. However, the opposition has accused the Mahayuti of polarising voters along religious lines, partly due to the use of slogans like “Batenge toh Katenge” and “Ek Hai Toh Safe Hai.”
However, not all BJP allies supported these slogans. Ajit Pawar distanced himself from them, while Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis attempted to clarify their meaning, causing confusion within the ruling alliance.
Meanwhile, the MVA alliance has countered the ruling combine’s rhetoric by focusing on issues such as a caste-based census, social justice, and the protection of the Constitution, aiming to appeal to voters who feel neglected by the current government.
(With inputs from PTI)
- Location :
Maharashtra, India