Delhi to go ‘dry’ 48 hours before February 7 poll

The Election Commission on Tuesday asked the State government to declare 48 hours preceding elections and the duration of the polling as ‘dry days’ in Delhi. The Capital goes to polls on February 7.

This will include the dates of repoll, if any, the EC said.

It also said that February 10, the date on which votes will be counted, will be declared ‘dry day’ under the relevant laws in the State.

The poll watchdog has also directed Secretary (Personnel) in the Central Government and Chief Secretary of Delhi to ensure that February 7 be declared a ‘paid holiday’ for the voters of Delhi. It said those residing or working outside the State but are registered as voters here also get a ‘paid holiday’.

“The daily wage/casual workers are also entitled for a holiday and wages under Section 135 B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951,” the EC direction said.

In a separate directive, the EC said liquor in any form cannot be sold, given or distributed at a hotel, eating house, tavern, shop or any other place — public or private — within a polling area “during the period of forty-eight hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of poll for any election in the polling area”. —PTI