Public holiday announced in Maharashtra cities on civic poll voting day

Mumbai: The Maharashtra State Election Commission on Friday announced that January 15, the day polling will be held for civic elections, will be observed as a public holiday in areas under 29 municipal corporations across the state.

The holiday will apply to government and semi-government offices, public sector undertakings, corporations, boards, banks and central government offices located within the limits of the concerned civic bodies. Election officials said the move is aimed at encouraging maximum voter participation on polling day.

The State Election Commission said all administrative preparations, including the readiness of electronic voting machines, have been completed. Voters have been urged to take part actively in the democratic process. In a separate order, State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare directed officials to ensure that sufficient polling and counting staff are appointed and that all personnel complete mandatory training on time. He warned that strict action would be taken against officials who fail to attend the training.

The instructions were issued during review meetings held on January 6 and 7, which were attended by senior officials, including the commission secretary, senior police officers, municipal commissioners and district superintendents of police from all 29 civic bodies. Polling will take place in major cities such as Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Aurangabad, Solapur, Kolhapur and several others.

Officials have been asked to ensure smooth polling and counting, with special focus on voter convenience. Polling stations are to be equipped with electricity, drinking water, shade and toilet facilities. Priority arrangements, including ramps and wheelchairs, must be made for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women and other vulnerable voters.

Meanwhile, commission secretary Suresh Kakani said election campaigning will end at 5.30 pm on January 13. After that, no election-related advertisements will be allowed in print, electronic or any other media, and no permissions will be granted for paid advertisements once the campaign period closes.

(with inputs from agencies)