Today marks a dry day in Mumbai, Konkan, and Nashik regions due to the ongoing Maharashtra Legislative Council elections. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has mandated these dry days as voting commenced for the biennial elections to four seats in these regions.
Under the ECI's directive, liquor sales and services are prohibited from 6 PM on June 24 until 6 PM on June 26, and also on the day of counting, July 1. This measure is in accordance with the Bombay Shops and Establishment Act of 1948, typically enforced during general or assembly elections, or local authority by-elections.
According to officials from the excise department, this decision impacts an average daily alcohol sale of 29 to 30 lakh litres, contributing significant excise, VAT, and license fees amounting to approximately Rs.100 crore per day. The temporary suspension of liquor sales during these dry days will result in a considerable revenue loss for the state.
Meanwhile, political activities are in full swing with the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi partners contesting seats across Mumbai, Konkan, and Nashik. The Shiv Sena is actively participating in the Mumbai Graduates, Mumbai Teachers, and Nashik Teachers constituencies, while the Congress has fielded candidates in the Konkan Graduates constituency.
On the ruling side, the BJP is contesting the Mumbai Graduates and Konkan Graduates seats, supporting an independent candidate in the Mumbai Teachers constituency. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena has nominated Kishor Darade for the Nashik Teachers constituency.
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, has put forward Mahesh Bhavsar for the Nashik Teachers constituency and Shivajirao Nalawade for the Mumbai Teachers constituency.
Results for the elections are scheduled to be announced on July 1.
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