Andhra Pradesh Announces Two-Day Liquor Sale Ban Ahead of Municipal Elections

Andhra Pradesh has announced restrictions on liquor sales in view of the municipal elections scheduled for November 1. As part of the precautionary measures, wine shops and bars across the state will remain closed from 5 PM on October 30 until 5 PM on November 1. The restrictions will apply to 13 municipal corporations and 87 municipalities and nagar panchayats. Liquor sales will also be prohibited on November 3, when votes will be counted. The election campaign is scheduled to end at 5 PM on October 30, after which candidates are prohibited from conducting further campaign activities. The State Election Commission has warned of strict action against those violating the campaign rules.

The State Election Commission has made extensive security arrangements to ensure peaceful polling. According to State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha, 36,351 police personnel have been deployed across 4,372 polling station locations. Drones, CCTV cameras and video surveillance will be used to monitor polling areas and prevent untoward incidents. Officials have also warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found illegally selling or storing liquor during the restricted period. The arrangements are aimed at ensuring that voters can exercise their franchise peacefully and without disruption.