As Tamil Nadu gears up for assembly elections on April 23, the state government has announced a public holiday and a series of restrictions to ensure smooth polling and higher voter turnout.
‘Dry days’ across the state
Bars and liquor shops across the state will remain shut for three days—from April 21 to April 23. According to officials, all establishments operating under FL2 to FL11 licences (except FL6) will be closed from 10 am on April 21 until the end of polling on April 23.In addition, liquor outlets will also remain closed on May 4, the day of vote counting. These dates have been declared as “dry days,” and any violation—such as sale, stocking, or transportation of liquor—will invite action under the Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act, 1937.
Will schools and colleges remain closed on polling day?
All government and private schools across Tamil Nadu will remain closed on April 23 as polling is conducted in all 234 Assembly constituencies. The closure is part of standard election-day arrangements, as many school premises are used as polling booths and staff are deployed for election duties.Several educational institutions have also adjusted their academic schedules around the polls. In some cases, colleges and universities have announced additional leave before or after polling day to allow students—especially those studying away from home—to travel and cast their votes.
Will banks remain closed on polling day?
Bank branches across Tamil Nadu will remain closed on polling day. However, digital banking services will continue without disruption. Customers can carry out transactions such as UPI payments, online transfers, net banking, and loan-related services as usual.ATMs will also remain functional, allowing cash withdrawals and deposits despite the closure of physical branches.
What will remain open on polling day?
Essential services across Tamil Nadu will continue to operate normally on April 23 to ensure that daily life is not disrupted during voting. Hospitals and healthcare facilities will remain fully functional, with emergency and routine medical services available to the public.Pharmacies, ambulance services, and other critical healthcare support systems will also stay operational. Digital platforms will remain unaffected, with online banking, UPI payments, net banking, and other financial services continuing without interruption. ATMs will also be operational, allowing people to withdraw or deposit cash despite the closure of physical bank branches.
