Jalandhar: District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal today said that the administration is keeping a close watch on the transportation, storage, purchase and sale of liquor in the district during the Lok Sabha elections and is taking strict action against the use of illicit liquor to woo voters.
During a meeting with Excise Department officials and L-17 license holders, liquor shop owners, wine cellar/warehouse owners, marriage palace owners, licensed restaurant owners etc. at the District Administrative Complex here, the District Election Officer said 24-hour monitoring is being done on the supply and sale of liquor across the district. Apart from this, flying squads and static service lens teams have also been formed for vigilance.
The District Election Officer appealed to L-17 license holders, liquor shop owners, wine cellar/warehouse owners, marriage palace owners, licensed restaurant owners to follow the Model Election Code during the Lok Sabha elections.
He said that the record of liquor should be maintained as per the quota set for sale and storage of liquor. He said that if anyone is found involved in illegal liquor sale during the elections, strict action will be taken against him.
He directed the marriage palace owners not to allow any political gathering without prior approval of the concerned authority. Dr. Aggarwal said that on the basis of any confidential information or during raids conducted from time to time, appropriate action will be taken as per rules in case of sale or storage of illegal liquor or liquor in excess of the prescribed limit.
He also said that no one will be harassed unnecessarily but mischievous elements will not be spared at any cost. The District Election Officer directed the officials of the Excise Department to ensure inspection of the stock of the persons associated with the liquor business in order to completely ban the use and sale of illegal liquor during the elections as per the instructions of the Election Commission of India.