The Maharashtra government has declared January 15 a public holiday for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections.
According to the state election commission order, the public holiday has been declared
in 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, Pune, Thane, and Navi Mumbai, to facilitate smooth voting and boost turnout.
As per the order, there will be no work in government offices and semi-government offices, corporations and boards, public sector undertakings, banks and central government offices located within the BMC jurisdiction.
Government and civic-run schools and colleges will also likely remain closed for the day. However, private schools and colleges being used as polling stations may suspend their classes.
The election body stated that private offices may also choose to remain close but this will depend on individual organisational policies.
However, essential services such as hospitals, ambulances, police and fire services, will be fully functional.
Besides, local trains, BEST buses and other public transport services will continue.
The election commission has said the polling stations will be equipped with electricity, clean drinking water, toilets, and ramps to ensure accessibility for all voters.
The state government had imposed a four-day dry period from January 13 -16 in 29 municipal corporations areas.
Stock Market Holiday
Amid the civic polls, both the BSE and NSE will have a full trading holiday on Thursday. This means all segments, including equity, derivatives, commodities, and electronic gold receipts, will remain suspended for the day.
Mumbai Metro
In view of the polls, Mumbai’s Aqualine Metro services will operate with extended timings to facilitate the movement of polling personnel and essential staff.
Additional train services will be operated on election day to facilitate polling staff and other essential services. According to an official statement, trains will operate till 12 midnight from both Aarey JVLR and Cuffe Parade Terminals.
In addition, the last train will depart at 12:00 midnight from both Aarey JVLR and Cuffe Parade terminals.
Maharashtra will witness elections to 29 municipal corporations on Thursday, with the spotlight on Mumbai, where the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti is locked in a battle with the united Thackeray front for control of the cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.
Polling for the 2,869 seats spread across 893 wards will begin at 7.30 am and conclude at 5.30 pm on January 15. A total of 3.48 crore voters are eligible to decide the fate of 15,931 candidates, including 1,700 in Mumbai and 1,166 in Pune.
Counting of votes will take place on January 16.
