Liquor shops in Jharkhand`s capital city Ranchi will remain closed on March 26 and March 27. The decision has been taken in light of the first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections.

According to officials, the closure of liquor shops will come into effect at 6.30 pm Friday. Authorities will enforce the closure till 6.30 pm Saturday. An order in this regard has been issued by Ranchi District Collector Chhavi Ranjan.

West Bengal`s Purulia district, which goes to polls on March 27, is adjacent to Ranchi.

The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is currently in force in poll-bound states, including West Bengal. The MCC prohibits political parties from serving or distributing liquor on polling day and during the 48 hours preceding it.

It is common practice for political parties to dole out alcohol, precious metals and even kitchen appliances during elections in a bid to woo voters.

In addition, liquor shops in Ranchi will also remain closed on May 2. Counting of votes for the eight-phased assembly elections in West Bengal is scheduled for this day.

The decision to close liquor shops has irked wine traders in Jharkhand.

Manoj Singh of the Jharkhand Wine Dealers Welfare Association said this is the first time liquor shops in the state have been ordered to shut shop owing to elections in a neighbouring state. This has never been done, he adds.

The move could also hurt the sale of liquor in Jharkhand ahead of the festival of Holi. March 29 will also be a dry day in Ranchi on the occasion of Holi.

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