ECI directs dry days for 48 hours before poll close and on counting day, 4 May, under Section 135C of the RP Act
The Election Commission of India directed on 20 April 2026 that dry days be declared in polling areas for 48 hours ending with the close of poll, and on the counting day of 4 May 2026, under Section 135C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Summary
The Election Commission of India directed on 20 April 2026 that 'dry days' be declared in polling areas for the 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the close of poll, including any repoll date, under Section 135C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which bars the sale or distribution of liquor in a polling area during that period. The Commission also directed that the counting day, 4 May 2026, be a dry day in the poll-going states and union territory. ECI noted that polling in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal (Phase I) was due on 23 April and West Bengal (Phase II) on 29 April, with counting for all on 4 May. The schedule for the Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal elections had been announced on 15 March 2026.
Key facts
- Provision
- Section 135C, Representation of the People Act, 1951
- Dry period
- 48 hours ending with close of poll (incl. repoll)
- Counting day
- 4 May 2026 also a dry day
- Polling
- TN & WB Phase I: 23 April; WB Phase II: 29 April
- Schedule announced
- 15 March 2026
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Which section of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 prohibits the sale or distribution of liquor in a polling area in the 48 hours ending with the close of poll?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Section 135C
Section 135C of the RP Act, 1951 bars sale or distribution of liquor in a polling area during the 48 hours ending with the close of poll.
Consider the following statements about ECI's dry-day directions for the 2026 Assembly elections: 1. The dry-day period also applies to the date of any repoll. 2. The counting day, 4 May 2026, is to be declared a dry day in the poll-going states/UT. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: ECI said the 48-hour dry period includes the date of any repoll, and directed that 4 May 2026, the counting day, also be a dry day.