Will Liquor Shops Remain Open On Counting Day In Mumbai & Maharashtra?

As the Maharashtra assembly elections draw to a conclusion, the focus shifts to the counting of votes starting at 8 am on Saturday. This will decide the fate of the incumbent BJP-led Mahayuti coalition and the opposing Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, which is aiming for a political resurgence.

The counting of votes for 288 assembly seats as well as the Nanded Lok Sabha by-election.

The polls, held on November 20, saw an impressive turnout of 66.05 per cent, showing an increase from the 61.1 per cent participation in 2019, according to election officials. This uptick in voter engagement indicates a heightened interest in the electoral process and the future governance of Maharashtra.

Kolhapur district boasted the highest voter turnout at 76.63 per cent, followed closely by Gadchiroli at 75.26 per cent, which includes areas affected by Left Wing Extremism. Conversely, the lowest turnout was observed in Mumbai island city at 52.07 per cent, with the Mumbai suburban district recording 55.95 per cent. These figures reveal a varied level of voter participation across the state, reflecting the diverse political landscape of Maharashtra.

Will Liquor Shops Remain Open On Counting Day in Mumbai & Maharashtra?

In light of the vote counting, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered a ban on the sale of liquor across Maharashtra, including Mumbai, on Saturday. This prohibition aims to ensure the smooth conduct of the electoral process by preventing any disturbances. Liquor shops in Mumbai will be closed, adhering to the ECI's directive to maintain order and decorum during this crucial period.

Dry days, as defined, are designated periods when alcohol sales are strictly forbidden in specific regions. These measures are typically enforced during significant national, religious, or cultural events, and in contexts like elections, to uphold peace and order during critical democratic exercises such as voting and vote counting.