Lucknow Imposes Strict Liquor Ban Near Ramabai Sthal for Vote Counting
Lucknow administration imposes a strict liquor ban within 8km of Ramabai Sthal to ensure fair UP Legislative Council vote counting.
In a bid to maintain absolute order and transparency during the critical phase of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council elections, the Lucknow administration has enforced a comprehensive liquor ban within an eight-kilometer radius of the Ramabai Sthal. The move comes as the city becomes a focal point for the tallying of votes that will determine the winners of several key constituencies.
Zero Tolerance: The Scope of the Ban
District Magistrate Vishakh G. issued the directive to ensure that the electoral process remains peaceful and free from any undue influence. The order, which was originally circulated on October 19, 2026, is now in full effect as counting commenced at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
The administration has left no loophole in this restriction. The ban applies to every type of establishment selling intoxicants, including:
- Retail and wholesale liquor outlets
- Country liquor and composite shops
- Model shops, bars, and beer parlors
- Bhang and tari shops
- Military and paramilitary canteens
Authorities have warned license holders that any violation of this order will lead to strict legal action. Furthermore, the government has explicitly stated that no compensation will be provided for any business losses incurred during this period of closure.
The Counting War Room: Ramabai Rally Sthal
The Ramabai Rally Sthal has been transformed into a high-security counting hub. The venue is currently hosting the tallying process for two major categories of representatives:
- Graduate Constituency: Counting is being carried out in Hall Number-07.
- Teacher Constituency: Votes are being tallied in separate dedicated halls.
These proceedings are part of a larger state-wide exercise to fill 11 seats, consisting of five Graduate and six Teacher constituencies. To manage the scale of the operation, the state has established seven counting centers across Uttar Pradesh, located in Lucknow, Varanasi, Agra, Meerut, Jhansi, Bareilly, and Gorakhpur.
Security and Oversight
Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa has confirmed that all preparations are complete. To prevent any malpractice or disputes, the administration has deployed an extensive security network, including:
- Continuous CCTV surveillance across all centers.
- Comprehensive videography of the counting process.
- Strict oversight to maintain law and order.
Political Temperature and Minor Hiccups
As the numbers roll in, political confidence is high. Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya has expressed his certainty that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will emerge victorious in the polls.
While the process in Lucknow has remained smooth, the day hasn't been without minor friction elsewhere. Reports indicate a brief dispute occurred at the Meerut counting center regarding the access and usage of mobile phones, though officials have worked to resolve the issue quickly to keep the process on track.