VISAKHAPATNAM: Visakhapatnam district collector M. Abhishek Kishore has directed excise officials to intensify surveillance against the illegal transport, storage, sale and distribution of liquor ahead of the 2026 Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) elections.
Reviewing election preparedness, Abhishek Kishore stressed the need for stringent measures to prevent liquor from influencing voters and ensure free, fair and transparent elections.
In line with State Election Commission guidelines, officials were instructed to compare current liquor stocks and sales with those recorded during the corresponding period last year to identify unusual transactions.
The collector also directed officials to intensify inspections at illegal liquor manufacturing units and strengthen checks on unlawful transport and distribution networks. Surveillance at inter-state and inter-district border check-posts will be stepped up to curb illicit liquor movement.
Officials were told to strictly enforce the ban on liquor sales, supply and distribution during the 48 hours before polling closes for urban local body, MPTC and ZPTC elections, and on counting day.
The collector urged all departments to coordinate closely to enforce the Model Code of Conduct and election guidelines.
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