Liquor sales shut in Nagpur graduates' constituency districts from Oct 21 to 23 for Council polls

Activity has picked up in Maharashtra ahead of the Legislative Council elections. With polls due in five constituencies, the administration has taken a key decision: liquor sales have been ordered shut in all districts that fall under the Nagpur graduates' constituency.

The dry day will come into force in these areas at 4 pm on October 21 and last until 4 pm on October 23. Liquor shops will remain closed during this period and no sales of any kind will be allowed.

The administration has said several measures are being taken to maintain law and order during the elections and to ensure peaceful voting. The dry day order is part of these. All liquor sellers in the districts of the Nagpur graduates' constituency have been asked to keep their shops shut during the stipulated time, follow the administration's directions and not violate the rules.

The information issued states clearly that the dry day applies only to the districts under the Nagpur graduates' constituency. It does not mean that liquor sales will be shut in all districts of the state.

Elections are being held for five Legislative Council seats in the state, comprising two teachers' constituencies and three graduates' constituencies. The polls are to be held in the Pune teachers', Pune graduates', Nagpur graduates', Amravati teachers' and Marathwada graduates' constituencies.

A total of 182 candidates are in the fray for these five seats. Voting will begin at 8 am on October 23, and voters can cast their ballots until 4 pm.

The administration has made preparations for smooth voting. Special care is being taken to ensure voters face no inconvenience and that there is no disruption during polling. In all, 2,419 polling stations have been set up across the five constituencies. Votes will be counted on October 27.

Thus, liquor sales will remain shut in the districts of the Nagpur graduates' constituency from the evening of October 21 to the evening of October 23. All eyes are on the administration's decision amid the Legislative Council elections.