MLC Elections: Schools, Colleges and Liquor Shops to Close in Lucknow and Varanasi

Voting Closures

Schools, colleges and higher education institutes in Lucknow will remain closed on October 23 due to the legislative council election voting. The closure covers nursery to class 12 in all government, aided and private schools across CBSE, ICSE and other boards, alongside all state and self-financed degree colleges and universities. District basic education officer Vipin Kumar and the regional higher education officer issued strict directions to enforce the order for the 2026 biennial polls covering the Lucknow Graduates and Teachers constituencies. District magistrate Vishak G also ordered a complete ban on the sale of liquor at bars and model shops in Lucknow on October 23 for polling and October 27 for counting. According to Hindustan, schools in Varanasi are also shutting down for the next two days due to the MLC polls and the Naati Imli Bharat Milap festival. A joint order by the DIOS and BSA closed all pre-primary to class 12 schools on October 22 and 23. DIOS Bholendra Pratap Singh warned of action against schools ignoring the directive. Varanasi is additionally hosting a major air show featuring over one hundred fighter planes and helicopters performing over the Ganga between Namo Ghat and Assi Ghat on October 22, 24 and 25, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the final day.

Context

Election dates and major local festivals routinely prompt temporary school closures and administrative restrictions on alcohol sales across Uttar Pradesh. These measures help manage public crowds and ensure smooth security arrangements during large public gatherings and polling days.