Delhi’s liquor shops adhere to a strict dry day policy during elections, impacting their operating hours. During the 2025 Assembly elections, a government mandate enforced closure from 6 PM on February 3rd until 6 PM on February 5th, encompassing the 48 hours before and after polling concluded. This closure also included February 8th, the day of vote counting. The prohibition extended to all establishments selling alcohol, including hotels, restaurants, clubs, and licensed venues. Even non-proprietary clubs and star hotels were not exempt from this temporary ban.
The rationale behind this widespread closure stems from the Excise Act-2010, which mandates “dry days” around voting and counting days to maintain order and prevent any undue influence on the electoral process. This comprehensive approach ensures a level playing field for all candidates and promotes a fair election environment. This temporary closure affected all liquor vendors, ensuring a consistent application of the dry day policy.
The Delhi Assembly Elections, held on February 5th, 2025, saw a significant political contest. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), having secured substantial victories in the preceding two elections (67 out of 70 seats in 2015 and 62 in 2020), aimed to continue its dominance. This election cycle witnessed increased participation, with 699 candidates vying for 70 Assembly seats, compared to 672 candidates in the 2020 elections. All constituencies saw candidates from AAP and Congress, while the Bharatiya Janata Party fielded contenders in 68 seats, reserving two for their alliance partners. The outcome of this election held significant implications for the political landscape of Delhi.
