In an irony of sorts, a ‘dry day’ has been announced in the Tapi district of Gujarat on November 20 and 23 keeping in mind the voting and counting in the neighbouring State of Maharashtra. What however does not seem to have been kept in mind is the fact that Gujarat has prohibition which means every day is a dry day. Tapi as such has no hotels which have permit rooms where people can buy or drink.
The notification, issued November 5, references the October 21 order from the State Electoral Officer’s office in Gandhinagar. This order instructed a public notification to prohibit the sale of alcohol and other intoxicating substances to ensure a free and fair election and maintain law and order during the Maharashtra legislative assembly election.
Additionally, the Director General of Police (Law and Order) and state police nodal officers also issued directives for public notification.
The move, intended to prevent any disruptions to polling, has left many wondering if Gujarat, already an alcohol-free state, really needed a “dry day” announcement.
This notification comes despite Gujarat’s prohibition law bans sale, storage, and consumption of alcohol anywhere within its border limits. Those visiting Tapi from outside Gujarat can be given special permits just like non-resident Indians.
According to Khedbrahma Congress MLA Tushar Chaudhary, this notification also carries another meaning: the rampant illegal liquor sale and consumption in the region. “Tapi is very near to Maharashtra. Liquor bottles are coming through illegal means from there and distributed here,” he alleged.
It must be noted that due to the illegal liquor trade, a Gujarat Police official, PSI Javed Khan Pathan, lost his life three days back. The problem of illegal trade and consumption in the “Model State” runs deep. Prohibition is mostly cosmetic.
For over six decades, Gujarat has adhered to its prohibition policy, a decision made when Bombay was divided into the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat in 1960. Though strict on alcohol, the state recently eased restrictions in the GIFT City of Gandhinagar, allowing limited alcohol consumption under regulated circumstances.
Vibes of India tried reaching out to district collector Dr Vipin Garg and Mr Borad who were not available for comments.
Every official in the District Collector’s office; however, they were not available for a response.
