In Surat, the Tapi district administration has issued a public notification declaring a “Dry Day” for 48 hours, starting from the evening of November 20, until polling for the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly election concludes. The restriction will also apply on November 23, the day votes are counted.
According to senior district officials, the decision follows guidelines from the Election Commission. The notification, issued on November 5, references an order from the state’s Electoral Office in Gandhinagar, dated October 21. The order instructs authorities to ban the sale of alcohol and other intoxicating substances during the election period to ensure a peaceful and fair voting process and prevent any disturbances in law and order.
Additionally, prohibitory orders under the Indian Penal Code (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) have been put in place. Tapi district Collector Vipin Garg confirmed that the restriction applies to licensed liquor shops in the district, though he was unsure whether such shops exist in the area.
