Dry Days and Campaign Ban Announced for Panchayati Raj Elections in Kullu
2 min readKullu, May 22: District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner Kullu Anurag Chander Sharma has issued important orders to ensure free, fair and peaceful conduct of the Panchayati Raj Elections 2026 in the district.
According to the orders, a complete ban on election campaigning will remain in force during the 48 hours preceding polling in each gram panchayat. In addition, “Dry Days” have also been declared during the restricted period before polling as well as on the day of vote counting.
The Panchayati Raj elections in Kullu district will be conducted in three phases on May 26, 28 and 30, 2026.
Under the orders, the sale, distribution or serving of liquor and other intoxicating substances will remain prohibited in all polling areas during the 48 hours prior to the conclusion of polling and on counting day. The restrictions will apply to hotels, restaurants, liquor shops and all public and private establishments located within the polling jurisdictions.
The administration has also prohibited public meetings, rallies, processions and display of election-related material through television, cinema or any similar medium during the restricted period. Organising entertainment programmes or promotional events intended to influence voters has also been banned.
Officials stated that violation of these provisions will invite action under the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1994.
The district administration has appealed to political parties, candidates and the general public to cooperate in maintaining peaceful and transparent elections across all development blocks of the district, including Nirmand, Ani, Banjar, Bhuntar, Kullu and Naggar.
Detailed polling schedules for all gram panchayats under the six development blocks have also been notified for the three election phases.
