Anti-liquor activists in Odisha seek extended-ban on liquor during elections

Bhubaneswar: Milita Odisha Nisha Nibarana Abhiyan today urged the Chief Electoral Officer to prohibit sale of liquor in the state from the date of filing nomination till the counting date.

As per the existing rules, sale and storage of liquor is banned 48 hours before the voting day to prevent any untoward incidents. However, the outfit has sought prohibition from nomination to the counting day for free, fair and peaceful elections.

President of Milita Odisha Nisha Nibarana Abhiyan, Padmacharan Nayak said, “Implementing the 48-hour rule won’t help in ensuring peaceful and fair elections. We came up with a proposal that the Election Commission should extend the ban on liquor sale and storage.”