The Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) has announced a public holiday on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in areas falling under 29 municipal corporations across the state where civic elections are scheduled to take place. This decision aims to encourage maximum voter participation in the local body polls, which are crucial for urban governance. The holiday will be applicable to government and semi-government offices, corporations, boards, public undertakings, banks, and central government offices within the jurisdiction of the respective civic bodies. The announcement was made on Friday, January 9, 2026, following a poll review meeting held by the commission. Cities where voting for civic polls will be held include major centers like Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Nagpur, among others. The civic elections are a significant political exercise, with voting slated to take place from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. Special arrangements are being made at polling stations, including provisions for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women. While the public holiday has been widely declared, some financial market operations, particularly regarding stock exchanges (BSE, NSE, MCX) and certain bank functions, have seen a degree of uncertainty, with official confirmations regarding their closure awaited by some market participants. Campaigning for the civic polls is set to conclude on January 13, and the counting of votes is scheduled for January 16, 2026. The declaration underscores the importance the state government places on facilitating democratic participation in these local elections.