Maharashtra will go to polls on Thursday, with civic polls being held in Mumbai, Pune and 27 other urban local bodies across the state. In view of the elections, the Maharashtra State Election Commission has declared January 15 as a public holiday in the polling areas.
Voting for 2,869 seats in 893 constituencies will begin at 7:30 am and end at 5:30 pm. The counting of votes is scheduled for January 16. Civic polls will be held in several cities in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Ulhasnagar, Jalgaon and Dhule.
According to news agency PTI, security has been beefed up for the civic elections, with around 25,000 policemen and senior officials deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls.
Below is a complete list of what will remain open and closed on January 15:
The holiday will cover government offices, semi-government bodies, corporations and boards, public sector undertakings, banks and central government offices located within the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) limits.
The decision was made after a review of election preparedness at meetings held on January 6 and 7 with the participation of senior election officials, police officers and civic authorities.
Schools and colleges
Most government and civic schools and colleges in Mumbai are expected to remain closed for the public holiday. Some private institutions may also suspend classes, especially if their premises are used as polling stations.
Offices and workplaces
Government and semi-government offices within BMC limits will remain closed on January 15. Banks and public sector offices will also observe the holiday. Private offices can make decisions about operations based on internal policies, although many are likely to remain closed.
Emergency services
Essential and emergency services will continue to operate as normal. Hospitals, ambulances, firefighters and police will remain in full operation throughout the day.
public transport
Local trains, BEST buses and other public transport services in Mumbai are expected to function as usual. Additional measures may be taken to ensure that voters get to the polling stations without difficulty.
Election room equipment
The Electoral Commission said special measures would be taken to help vulnerable voters, including the elderly, the disabled, pregnant women and single parents with children.
The polling stations will be equipped with electricity, clean drinking water, sanitary facilities and ramps to ensure accessibility.
