Four-day alcohol ban kicks off in Maharashtra
Maharashtra, India, has announced a four-day dry period in 29 civic body areas, including Mumbai, Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, banning alcohol sales and consumption as the state prepares for civic body elections.
The clampdown began on 13 January, and will last until 16 January,
The four-day alcohol ban will commence at the same time election campaigning ends on 13 January. All liquor shops, bars, permit rooms and establishments selling alcohol within the 29 municipal corporations going to polls will remain shut.
The administration has said strict action will be taken against anyone violating the dry day rules.
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Public holiday
The Maharashtra government has declared 15 January a public holiday ahead of polling. Banks in Mumbai, Nagpur and other districts will remain closed, along with stock markets, schools and other public institutions.
Attention is centred on Mumbai, where the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is facing a challenge from a united Thackeray faction in the contest for control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Voting for 2,869 seats across 893 wards will take place between 7.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. on 15 January. More than 34.8 million voters are eligible to choose from 15,931 candidates, including 1,700 in Mumbai and 1,166 in Pune. Votes will be counted on 16 January.
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