Maharashtra Reaffirms Dry Day Policy

The India===Maharashtra Excise Commissioner, Rajesh Deshmukh, dismissed widespread social media reports claiming that the India===Maharashtra government had lifted the ban on liquor sales on certain dry days, including Holi, Muharram, and Gandhi Jayanti. Deshmukh clarified that these reports were 'fake news' and that the existing liquor policy under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act remains unchanged. The state will continue to enforce eight mandatory dry days, including Republic Day, Martyrs' Day, India===Maharashtra Day, Ashadhi Ekadashi, Independence Day, Anant Chaturdashi, Gandhi Jayanti, and Kartiki Ekadashi. District collectors also retain the power to declare additional dry days. The initial false reports suggested the change was intended to curb illegal alcohol sales and boost excise revenue, leading to public debate before the official clarification.