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ECI Enforces 48-Hour 'Dry Day' in Bengal, Tamil Nadu for Fair Polls

The Election Commission of India has mandated a 48-hour 'Dry Day' in poll-bound areas of West Bengal and across Tamil Nadu to ensure free and fair voting. The ban prohibits the sale, service, or distribution of all liquor in hotels, restaurants, shops, and public or private places within polling areas. This restriction, invoked under the Representation of the People Act, will apply for each phase of polling, including any re-poll, and will also extend to the day of vote counting on May 4. The directive is a key part of the ECI's efforts to curb undue influence on voters and maintain the integrity of the electoral process.

Key Points: 48-Hour Dry Day for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls

  • 48-hour liquor ban before polling
  • Applies to all licensed establishments
  • Part of broader electoral integrity measures
  • Also enforced on counting day (May 4)
  • Invokes Representation of the People Act
2 min read

ECI announces 48-hour 'Dry Day' ahead of polling in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu

Election Commission bans liquor sale for 48 hours before voting in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu to ensure free and fair elections.

"no spirituous, fermented, or intoxicating liquor shall be sold, served, or distributed - Election Commission of India"

New Delhi, April 20

The Election Commission of India has directed a 48-hour 'Dry Day' in poll-bound areas of West Bengal and across Tamil Nadu, in a bid to ensure free and fair voting, an official statement said on Monday.

Invoking provisions under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Commission directed that "no spirituous, fermented, or intoxicating liquor shall be sold, served, or distributed at any hotel, restaurant, tavern, shop, or public or private place within a polling area during the 48 hours ending with the scheduled close of polling".

The restriction, issued under Section 135C of the Act, will apply to all establishments holding licenses for possession or sale of liquor, including clubs, star hotels, and restaurants.

"These entities will not be permitted to serve liquor during the notified period," the poll body statement said.

"In view of the statutory provision, 'Dry Day' shall be declared and notified under the relevant State/Union Territory laws as is appropriate during 48 hours, ending with the hours fixed for conclusion of poll with respect to polling day for an election in that polling area where General Election to the Legislative Assembly is being held. This will include the date of re-poll, if any," the statement said.

Authorities have also been directed to strictly enforce limits on the storage of liquor in unlicensed premises.

The 'Dry Day' provision will be applicable for each phase of polling, including any re-poll, and will also extend to the day of counting of votes -- May 4 -- when similar restrictions will be enforced across states and Union Territories where polling took place.

The Commission on March 15 announced the Assembly election schedule for Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, along with bypolls in six states.

Polling in Tamil Nadu and Phase I of West Bengal is slated for April 23, while Phase II polling in West Bengal will be held on April 29. Counting of votes for all states and UTs will take place on May 4.

The directive is part of the ECI's broader effort to curb undue influence on voters and maintain electoral integrity during the polling process.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good move, but enforcement is the key. Will the police and excise departments be vigilant enough? In many places, illegal sale continues in hidden pockets. Hope the EC monitors this strictly.
A
Aman W
As a resident of Tamil Nadu, I welcome this. Electoral integrity is paramount. However, it does cause inconvenience for tourists in star hotels. Maybe the EC could have a more nuanced policy for licensed establishments with proper records? Just a thought.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see this practice. It shows a serious commitment to fair elections. In many countries, election day alcohol sales aren't restricted. This seems like a proactive measure to prevent last-minute "gifts" to voters.
V
Vikram M
Finally! This should be the norm for every election, everywhere in India. Vote-buying through liquor is an old disease. A dry day helps, but we also need voters to be responsible and reject such tactics. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
My family in West Bengal was just discussing this. It's a good directive on paper, but in reality, political parties find other ways to influence - cash, gifts, promises. The dry day is just one piece of the puzzle. The real change has to come from us, the voters.

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