Maharashtra will experience a series of dry days this month due to the upcoming state Assembly elections. Dry days are when alcohol sales are prohibited in a region to ensure a peaceful voting process. The Election Commission of India has mandated these dry days to promote orderly voting in Mumbai and other cities in Maharashtra.
According to the Election Commission of India, the dry days in Maharashtra this month are as follows:
– November 18: From 6 pm
– November 19: Total ban
– November 20: Till 6 pm
– November 23: Alcohol sales banned till 6 pm
The Maharashtra Assembly elections will take place in a single phase on November 20, with all 288 constituencies conducting polls on the same day. Additionally, Jharkhand is also holding assembly elections in two phases on November 13 and November 20, with the counting of votes scheduled for November 23.
To encourage maximum voter turnout, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared November 20 as a holiday for all businesses and offices under its jurisdiction. The BMC has instructed offices not to deduct pay or penalize employees who take the day off to vote.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar expressed concerns about low voter turnout in urban areas such as Colaba, Pune, and Thane in Maharashtra. The Election Commission acknowledged the presence of “urban apathy” in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and promised to implement measures to address this issue.
It is important for residents of Maharashtra to be aware of the dry days and the significance of voting in the upcoming elections. By participating in the electoral process, citizens can exercise their democratic right and contribute to shaping the future of their state. Stay informed and stay engaged to make a difference in the democratic process.
