Maharashtra Declares January 15 Public Holiday for Civic Elections Across Multiple Cities

Maharashtra's civic elections on January 15, 2026, will be observed as a public holiday across 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad, to facilitate voter participation. The holiday applies to government, semi-government, and private sector employees, who must receive paid leave or at least a few hours off to vote. Schools and colleges, often used as polling centers, are expected to close, though private institutions may decide independently. Authorities have warned of legal action against employers denying voting leave, and teachers involved in election duties seek paid leave for the following day due to extended work hours. Security measures and polling arrangements have been enhanced to ensure smooth elections.