With less than three weeks left for the state Assembly elections, the state government has announced a series of 'dry days' to ensure law and order during polling and counting.
The excise department has issued a notification mandating the closure of all liquor shops and bars in poll-bound areas on specified dates.
According to the order issued by the excise commissioner, the decision follows the Election Commission's guidelines, which require suspension of liquor sales 48 hours before polling in the concerned constituencies.
The restrictions will be enforced in phases corresponding to the polling schedule, with a statewide shutdown on counting day.
Dry days schedule:
- April 21 (from 6 pm) to April 23: Closure in districts going to polls on April 23, continuing till the end of voting
- April 27 (from 6 pm) to April 29: Closure in areas, including Kolkata, voting on April 29, until polling concludes
- May 4: Statewide closure of all liquor shops and bars on the day of the vote counting
Officials said the measure is aimed at maintaining peace and preventing any untoward incidents during the electoral process.
The notification further clarified that in case of re-polling at any booth or constituency, the same restrictions will be imposed in those areas as per the rules.
The move is part of standard election protocol, with authorities stepping up enforcement in the run-up to voting to ensure a smooth and disturbance-free polling process.