Dry Days In Kerala: Alcohol Sales Banned For 3 days As Liquor Shops, Bars Remain Closed - Timings & Details

Liquor shops will be closed across Kerala from Wednesday evening till the counting day in view of the Lok Sabha elections 2024.

The elections for the 20 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala will be held on Friday. Hence, all liquor establishments, including toddy shops and beer parlours, will remain shut from today.

As per the directive, the liquor shops have been directed to observe closure from Wednesday at 6 pm until Friday at 6 pm.

The closure of alcohol shops during elections serves several important purposes: maintaining law and order, preventing potential disturbances, and ensuring a fair and peaceful electoral process. Alcohol consumption has been associated with public disorder, violence, and disturbances that can disrupt voting and jeopardize voter safety.

By temporarily shuttering alcohol shops, the Election Commission endeavors to foster a tranquil and secure atmosphere conducive to free and fair elections. Furthermore, restricting alcohol sales can serve as a deterrent against the undue influence of money and alcohol on voters, thereby promoting transparency in the electoral process.

Meanwhile, the fiercely competitive campaigns put up by political parties for over a month are set to draw to a close on Wednesday.

With a total of 194 candidates contending for the 20 seats in the state, the Lok Sabha polls have become a battleground for the CPI (M)-led ruling LDF, the Congress-headed UDF, and the BJP-led NDA.

Despite the scorching summer heat, campaigns across the state are bustling with energy, culminating in massive road shows and rallies by candidates and top leaders of their respective parties on Wednesday evening.

The final day of poll campaigning in Kerala is traditionally a grand affair. As it reaches its crescendo, every political party endeavors to showcase its strength by rallying maximum participation from workers and supporters for the concluding events of public campaigning.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the UDF secured victory in 19 out of the 20 seats, leaving the LDF with only one seat.