Maharashtra Announces Four-Day “Dry Day” Ahead of Municipal Elections
Mumbai/Pune, 12th January 2026: In a move to ensure free, fair, and peaceful polling, the State Election Commission (SEC) has declared a four-day Dry Day from 6 pm on January 13 to January 16, 2026, across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including Pune, Pimpri-Chnchad, Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Kolhapur. During this period, all liquor shops will remain closed, and authorities will strictly monitor compliance to prevent any election-related violations.
The announcement comes as polling is scheduled for January 15, 2026. The election code of conduct requires political parties to halt all campaigning by January 13 and prohibits offering inducements or enticements to voters. The Dry Day aims to maintain law and order, ensure voter safety, and provide a peaceful environment for citizens to exercise their franchise without external influence or intimidation.
Officials have informed shopkeepers and businesses well in advance, emphasizing that strict action will be taken against any violations, including offering alcohol as a lure to voters.
By implementing the four-day Dry Day, the SEC seeks to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and create conditions conducive to a smooth and disturbance-free polling experience across the state’s urban local bodies.
