The Kamrup Metropolitan District Administration has declared dry days from May 5 to 7 and again on May 11 in light of the upcoming panchayat elections in Assam. The directive comes ahead of the second phase of the polling process and the scheduled vote counting. The decision aims to maintain law and order and ensure peaceful conduct during the critical phases of the election.
Deputy Commissioner Pallav Gopal Jha issued the notification under relevant provisions of the Assam Excise Act, 2000. The dry days will apply to the entire district, including Guwahati city, which falls under Kamrup Metro. The order strictly prohibits the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcohol during the specified days.
The district administration has also directed all bonded warehouses, IMFL retail outlets, bars, and restaurants to comply with the instructions. Authorities warned that strict action will be taken against violators under the law. The move comes as part of standard protocol followed during elections to prevent any untoward incidents influenced by alcohol.
Security agencies will remain on high alert during this period, and local police stations have been instructed to conduct intensive monitoring to enforce the order. Excise inspectors will patrol the district to check any illegal sale or transport of liquor. The administration has also requested public cooperation in reporting violations.
The dry day order is in line with the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India, which mandates a liquor ban during polling and counting days. These measures help create a fair and disturbance-free environment for voters and polling personnel. With multiple phases of panchayat elections underway, similar restrictions are being implemented across various districts in Assam.
The second phase of the panchayat elections will cover several constituencies in Kamrup Metro, where voters will choose their local representatives. The district has made elaborate arrangements to ensure a smooth voting experience. Polling stations have been equipped with adequate security, sanitation, and accessibility features to encourage maximum participation.
Political parties have ramped up their campaigns in the final days before polling. Candidates are reaching out to voters with promises of development, infrastructure upgrades, and better governance at the grassroots level. The panchayat elections are being seen as a significant test of local leadership and a precursor to the 2026 state assembly polls.
Residents of Guwahati and surrounding areas have been urged to stock up in advance if needed, as no liquor will be available during the dry day window. Hoteliers and restaurant owners have also been issued advisories to maintain compliance. Authorities are conducting awareness campaigns to inform citizens of the restrictions.
Senior officials stated that the administration will remain vigilant until the conclusion of the counting process on May 11. Any disruption to law and order, especially under the influence of alcohol, will be dealt with strictly. Flying squads and surveillance teams have been activated to keep a close watch on all potential trouble spots.
The government has also appealed to the people of Kamrup Metro to participate actively in the democratic process and ensure the elections are held in a peaceful and transparent manner. Voter awareness drives are being conducted through various media platforms to boost turnout and civic engagement.
The panchayat polls in Assam have gained political importance this year, with both ruling and opposition parties investing considerable effort. Voter sentiment at the grassroots level will offer crucial insights into the larger electoral mood in the state. Kamrup Metro, being one of the most politically active and populous districts, holds special significance in the electoral landscape.
As the countdown to polling begins, the district administration is working closely with law enforcement agencies, election officials, and local leaders to create a safe and impartial voting environment. The dry day order stands as one of the many measures to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
Meanwhile, the Health Department has set up temporary medical assistance booths at strategic polling locations across the district. These units will provide first aid, drinking water, and other basic amenities to voters and election workers, ensuring a safe and accessible voting experience. District officials emphasized that all arrangements are being executed to meet the standards of inclusive governance.
In a related development, transport officials have been instructed to keep public transport services running efficiently on polling and counting days. Special buses will be arranged for remote areas to help voters reach polling stations with ease. Officials clarified that essential services will not be disrupted by the dry day notification and normal civic operations will continue.
The District Election Officer confirmed that all electronic voting machines (EVMs) and voter verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) systems have been tested and are being deployed to polling stations under tight security. Each polling booth will have a designated team of trained officers equipped to manage voter queries and technical issues, ensuring minimal delays in the voting process.
Women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs) and local NGOs have also joined the district’s efforts by promoting voter participation through door-to-door campaigns. Their efforts are particularly focused on first-time voters and women in suburban and peri-urban areas. These groups are helping dispel myths around the polling process and reinforcing the importance of grassroots democracy.