The Maharashtra government has declared January 15 a public holiday in Mumbai to facilitate civic polls. The holiday, announced by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), applies to government, semi-government, public sector units, banks, and private establishments. Employers must grant employees time off to vote, with action threatened against non-compliant businesses. Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani urged citizens to participate in the democratic process. Vote counting is scheduled for January 16.