Kerala goes 'dry' before polls

Thiruvananthapuram: As Kerala Assembly elections campaign enters its final stretch, the state is preparing for an unusual calm, at least on the liquor front.

With Kerala set to vote on Thursday to elect 140 new legislators, authorities have enforced a strict 48-hour dry period, effectively putting the brakes on one of the state’s most robust consumption habits.

From 6 p.m. on Tuesday to 6 p.m. on April 9, liquor sales across Kerala will come to a complete halt.

Beverage outlets, bars, beer parlours, and even the Bevco shops will remain shut.

The order, issued by the Election Commission, is aimed at ensuring a peaceful polling process by preventing any untoward incidents or law and order issues.