Several cities across Maharashtra, including its financial capital, Mumbai, will observe multiple dry days in November 2024 in view of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has mandated these dry days to ensure smooth and peaceful polling.
What Are Dry Days?
Dry days refer to specific dates when the sale of alcohol is strictly prohibited in a region. These bans are typically enforced during national, religious, cultural events, or elections to prevent any potential disruptions.
For the Maharashtra Assembly elections, the ECI has announced the following dry day schedule:
- November 18: Alcohol sales will be banned post 6 PM.
- November 19: A full dry day will be observed, marking the day before polling.
- November 20: Alcohol sales will remain prohibited until 6 PM on the voting day.
- November 23: A dry day will be enforced until 6 PM as the election results are declared.
These measures are aimed at maintaining public order and ensuring citizens exercise their voting rights responsibly.
Holiday Declared on Polling Day
The Maharashtra Assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, 2024, with all 288 constituencies voting in a single phase. The counting of votes and announcement of results will take place on November 23, 2024.
To encourage voter participation, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared November 20 as a holiday for all employees working in offices and businesses under its jurisdiction.
- No penalties for absence: Employers are prohibited from deducting salaries or penalizing employees for taking the day off to vote.
- Strict action for violations: BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has warned that non-compliance with the holiday order will invite strict action against employers.