NE POLITICAL BUREAU
NEW DELHI, APR 20
In a decisive step to ensure free and fair elections, the Election Commission of India has mandated a 48-hour ‘Dry Day’ across poll-bound regions, including the entire state of Tamil Nadu and designated polling areas in West Bengal, ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
- 48-Hour Vigil: Liquor ban enforced across polling areas to safeguard voter choice
- Law in Action: Section 135C invoked to curb undue influence during crucial voting window
- From Booth to Ballot: Strict compliance ordered for hotels, clubs, and retail outlets
- All-Phase Coverage: Ban extends to re-polls and counting day on May 4
- Democracy First: Multi-state elections in full swing with integrity at the core
General Elections to Legislative Assemblies and bye-elections 2026
Implementation of Dry-Day
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— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) April 20, 2026
Invoking Section 135C of 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 directive applies to all licensed establishments, including clubs, star hotels, and restaurants. “These entities will not be permitted to serve liquor during the notified period,” the poll body stated.
Reinforcing the statutory mandate, the Commission 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.”
Authorities have also been instructed to strictly enforce limits on storage of liquor in unlicensed premises, tightening surveillance to prevent violations.
The restriction will be implemented for each phase of polling and will also extend to the counting day — May 4 — across all states and Union Territories where elections are being conducted.
The Election Commission of India had earlier, on March 15, announced the election schedule for Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, along with by-elections in six states.
Polling in Tamil Nadu and Phase I of West Bengal is scheduled for April 23, followed by Phase II in West Bengal on April 29. Counting of votes for all states and UTs will take place on May 4.
The ‘Dry Day’ directive is part of the Commission’s broader framework to curb undue influence, reinforce electoral discipline, and uphold the sanctity of the democratic process.
