The Maharashtra State Election Commission announced on Friday that January 15 will be observed as a public holiday in all cities governed by the 29 municipal corporations where civic elections are scheduled. This holiday will be applicable to government and semi-government offices, municipal corporations, boards, public undertakings, banks, and central government offices within the jurisdiction of these civic bodies.

Poll Preparations in Final Stages
The State Election Commission confirmed that all administrative preparations, including the deployment and testing of electronic voting machines (EVMs), have been completed. Citizens were urged to actively participate in the elections and exercise their democratic rights.

State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare, during poll review meetings on January 6 and 7, emphasized the importance of training for polling and counting staff. He instructed that sufficient personnel be appointed for smooth conduct of elections and warned that officials failing to complete mandatory training would face strict action.

Other senior officials present at the review included Commission Secretary Suresh Kakani, Inspector-General of Police Manojkumar Sharma, municipal commissioners, police commissioners, and district superintendents from all 29 municipal corporations.

Polling to Take Place in 29 Cities
The civic elections will be held across major urban centers, including Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Ulhasnagar, Kalyan-Dombivli, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar, Panvel, Nashik, Malegaon, Ahilyanagar, Jalgaon, Dhule, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Kolhapur, Ichalkaranji, Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nanded-Waghala, Parbhani, Jalna, Latur, Amravati, Akola, Nagpur, and Chandrapur.

Officials have been directed to ensure the smooth functioning of polling and counting procedures. Polling stations are expected to provide reliable electricity, drinking water, shade, and toilet facilities. Special attention will be given to senior citizens, differently-abled individuals, lone parents with children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable voters. Ramps and wheelchairs will be made available at all polling locations.

Campaigning Period Ends Soon
Commission Secretary Kakani reminded political parties that the campaign period concludes at 5:30 pm on January 13. After this time, no election-related advertisements may be published in print, electronic, or any other media. Pre-certification for paid print advertisements will also cease once the campaign period ends.