Mumbai | January 9, 2026

In view of the upcoming Maharashtra civic elections, the State Election Commission on Friday announced a public holiday for January 15, 2026, in areas under the jurisdiction of 29 municipal corporations where polling will take place. The move ensures that government offices, semi-government entities, corporations, boards, public undertakings, banks, and central government offices can facilitate smooth voter participation.

The civic polls, slated for cities across Maharashtra including Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Ulhasnagar, Jalgaon, and Dhule, will see residents exercising their franchise to elect representatives to local municipal bodies. The public holiday has been declared to allow citizens, particularly employees of government and semi-government institutions, to vote without workplace constraints.

Poll Preparations Complete

State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare confirmed that all preparations for the civic polls have been completed, including the readiness of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) across polling stations. During recent review meetings held on January 6 and 7, attended by senior officials including commission secretary Suresh Kakani, Inspector-General of Police Manojkumar Sharma, municipal commissioners, police commissioners, and district superintendents of police, comprehensive arrangements were finalized.

Waghmare emphasized the appointment and training of an adequate number of polling and counting personnel, noting that strict action would be taken against staff who failed to attend training sessions. The objective is to ensure smooth polling and counting processes and minimize inconvenience to voters on election day.

Facilities for Voters

The election commission has directed that polling stations must be equipped to accommodate all sections of voters, particularly senior citizens, persons with disabilities, lone parents with children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable sections. Basic amenities such as reliable electricity, clean drinking water, toilets, and ramps for physically challenged voters will be provided. These measures aim to facilitate accessible and inclusive voting in all 29 municipal corporations.

Campaign Rules and Timelines

According to commission secretary Suresh Kakani, the campaign period for the civic polls will conclude at 5:30 pm on January 13, 2026. After this deadline, no election-related advertisements—whether in electronic media, print, or any other platform—may be published or broadcast.

Kakani also clarified that no pre-certification or permission will be granted for paid print advertisements following the end of the campaign period. This move is aimed at ensuring a level playing field for all candidates and maintaining compliance with election regulations.

Importance of Public Participation

The Maharashtra Election Commission has urged citizens to actively participate in the democratic process and exercise their right to vote. Declaring January 15 as a public holiday reflects the commission’s focus on maximizing voter turnout and ensuring that the civic polls proceed smoothly and fairly.

With elections set to take place across major urban centers in Maharashtra, the authorities have highlighted that the public holiday will allow voters, particularly those working in government and related sectors, adequate time to reach polling stations without professional or logistical constraints.

Security and Oversight

To ensure law and order during polling, the commission has coordinated with the police across all participating districts. Officers have been instructed to monitor polling stations, maintain peace, and assist vulnerable voters. Additionally, arrangements have been made to provide security for EVMs and ballot boxes during transport and counting.

The comprehensive preparations, combined with the public holiday, are expected to enhance voter convenience and contribute to a high voter turnout across Maharashtra’s municipal corporations.

As the civic polls approach, citizens are being reminded of the importance of their vote in local governance, which directly impacts urban planning, public amenities, sanitation, transport, and municipal services. The State Election Commission continues to emphasize that responsible and timely participation is essential for strengthening democratic institutions at the local level.