Mumbai, January 8: The Maharashtra Government has announced a public holiday on Thursday, January 15, 2026, across select districts to ensure maximum voter participation in the crucial Municipal corporation elections, including the high-profile BMC Elections 2026. The decision was confirmed by the State Election Commission (SEC), which will oversee polling in 29 municipal corporations across the state.

The holiday will be applicable to all state and semi-government offices, educational institutions, and local civic bodies within the polling jurisdictions. Private companies and establishments have been directed to provide a paid holiday or adequate time off to employees to enable them to vote, in line with the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act. Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Elections 2026.

Focus on BMC Elections 2026

Among the key civic bodies going to the polls is the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which governs Mumbai. The BMC elections are especially significant as the civic body has been under administrator rule since early 2022, making BMC Elections 2026 one of the most closely watched political events in the state. With a budget exceeding INR 74,000 crore, BMC is considered India’s richest municipal corporation. 2026 Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Election Results: Unopposed vs NOTA Rule.

Other major cities voting include Pune, Thane, and Nagpur, adding to the scale and political importance of the elections.

Political Stakes and Alliances

The civic polls are being seen as a litmus test for the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Shifting loyalties, factional splits, and local-level alliances have made the contest particularly intense, especially in Mumbai ahead of the BMC Elections 2026.

Poll Schedule and Key Dates

As per State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare, the election timeline is as follows:

• Polling Day: January 15, 2026 (7:30 AM to 5:30 PM)

• Counting of Votes: January 16, 2026

• Electoral Roll: Based on the voter list as of July 1, 2025

The SEC has also clarified that wards with only one candidate will not witness polling, and such candidates will be declared elected unopposed. Activists have challenged this provision, demanding a NOTA option, but the commission has stated that existing laws do not mandate it.

Voters participating in the BMC Elections 2026 and other civic polls are advised to verify their names on the electoral rolls via the SEC’s official website or mobile application before January 15.

With a public holiday declared and political stakes at their peak, Maharashtra is gearing up for a decisive civic battle that could reshape urban governance across the state.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 08, 2026 09:43 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).