All liquor shops and bars in the Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency will remain closed for four days in view of the upcoming by-election. The authorities have imposed restrictions on the sale of liquor from 5 p.m. on November 9 to 5 p.m. on November 11 to ensure a smooth polling process. Additionally, a liquor ban will also be enforced on November 14, the day of vote counting.
Cyberabad Police Commissioner Avinash Mohanty issued the orders under Section 20 of the Excise Act, 1968, and Section 135-C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. He warned that strict action would be taken against anyone violating the rules. The Commissioner said the liquor ban aims to curb electoral malpractices and maintain law and order during the elections. “Alcohol consumption often leads to disputes and disturbances on polling day; hence, the ban is essential,” Mohanty stated.
The by-election was necessitated following the death of former MLA Maganti Gopinath. Campaigning has intensified among major political parties ahead of polling on November 11, with vote counting scheduled for November 14. Out of 58 candidates in the fray, the main contest is between the three major parties. Chief ministers, union ministers, and senior leaders are actively participating in roadshows and door-to-door campaigns. As polling day nears, Congress and BRS leaders have accused each other of voter inducements and lodged complaints with the Election Commission.