In a significant pre-election move, the Election Commission of India has extended the liquor ban period to 96 hours in poll-bound West Bengal ahead of the first phase of Assembly elections scheduled for April 23.
Traditionally, liquor sales are prohibited 48 hours before polling. However, this time, the ban has been enforced earlier than usual, effectively doubling the duration, after authorities flagged an “unusual surge” in liquor sales across several districts.
🍾 Why Was the Ban Extended?
According to the Election Commission, multiple monitoring mechanisms indicated irregular patterns in liquor distribution.
“It has been observed that there is an unusual spurt in sale of liquor,” the poll body said in an official statement.
The Commission further highlighted that:
- There was a sharp rise in liquor lifting by retailers from West Bengal State Beverages Corporation Limited (WBSBCL) depots in April 2026 compared to the same period last year.
- Authorities noticed an increase in the number of ‘sensitive’ liquor outlets, identified based on vulnerability criteria.
- Data gathered from surveillance and monitoring exercises pointed towards possible misuse during elections.
Officials believe that such spikes in sales could be linked to attempts to influence voters, a concern that has prompted stricter enforcement.
🚫 Dry Days Already in Effect
With the revised timeline, liquor sales have already been stopped in constituencies going to polls in Phase 1. The extended “dry period” aims to curb any malpractice and ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
🗳️ High-Stakes Electoral Battle
The upcoming elections in West Bengal are expected to witness an intense contest, primarily between the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is aggressively pushing to expand its footprint in the state.
The Election Commission has reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections, emphasizing that no government employee or local authority will be allowed to influence the voting process.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar recently stated that the poll body will “leave no stone unturned” to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
⚠️ Political Tensions Rise
The extended liquor ban comes amid ongoing tensions between the ruling TMC and the Election Commission.
The Trinamool Congress has repeatedly accused the Commission of favouring the BJP—especially over issues like voter list revisions and administrative reshuffles. The Commission has firmly denied these allegations, maintaining that all decisions are taken in accordance with established rules and impartial procedures.
In recent weeks, the poll body has also transferred several bureaucrats and police officials, further fuelling political friction in the state.
📊 What This Means
The 96-hour liquor ban reflects the Election Commission’s increasingly strict approach to preventing electoral malpractice.
By tightening controls well before polling day, authorities aim to:
- Reduce inducement-based voting
- Maintain law and order
- Ensure a fair voting environment
As West Bengal heads into Phase 1 polling, all eyes will be on how effectively these measures are implemented on the ground.
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