The Maharashtra government has announced a four-day ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol in 29 municipal corporation areas that are going to the polls. The liquor ban will be in place from January 13 to January 16 as part of arrangements for the upcoming local body elections.
The ban will begin once election campaigning ends on January 13. After that, all political rallies and public meetings will stop, and liquor shops, bars, permit rooms and other outlets selling alcohol will remain closed in the election areas.
The state government has said it will strictly enforce the dry day rules and take action against anyone who violates them. Citizens, voters and business owners have been asked to cooperate. Security and monitoring have also been increased in sensitive areas to ensure peaceful polling.
Voting for the municipal corporation elections will take place on January 15 in major cities such as Mumbai, Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Counting of votes is scheduled for January 16. The police and election authorities have stepped up preparations to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections.
Because of the elections, both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) will remain closed on January 15. Trading in all segments, including equities, derivatives, commodities and electronic gold receipts, will be suspended for the day. The exchanges said the closure is due to the Maharashtra civic elections.
The Maharashtra government has also declared January 15 a public holiday in Mumbai. The holiday will apply to government and semi-government offices, public sector units, banks and central government offices within the city limits.
