Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Elections: Voting concludes amid ink tampering claims | Highlights

The voting for the high-stakes elections in Mumbai, 28 other municipal corporations in Maharashtra has concluded.

State Election Commissioner Dinesh T Waghmare has addressed the issue of alleged ink tampering amid voting in Maharashtra Municipal Corporation polls. Reacting over the row, Waghmare said the ink being used to mark the fingers of voters is indelible and it is also being used by the Election Commission of India in various elections. Click here to read more.

NSE MD & CEO Ashish Chauhan casts his vote in Mumbai for BMC elections.

Actor Saif Ali Khan and Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan cast their votes in the BMC polls.

Actor Salman Khan casts his vote in the BMC polls in the Bandra area. 

According to the SEC, the voter turnout till 3.30 pm recorded was 41.08 per cent.

Maharashtra minister Sanjay Shirsat has claimed that the ink applied to fingers with marker pens after casting vote in the ongoing municipal corporation elections can be removed easily and it can lead to bogus voting.

"It is true that the ink of marker pen is getting removed easily. There is a possibility of bogus voting at some places due to this. Polling agents and officials should pay strict attention to this," he said.

Actor Ali Asgar cast vote at a polling booth in Mumbai.

"Definitely, I have voted for development. I am sure I have selected the right candidate. I appeal to and request everyone who has not voted yet to please come and cast your vote. After that, do not point fingers, saying that things are not working. This is the right time. This is our democratic right, so everybody should exercise their vote. Jai Hind," he said. 

Actress Shabana Azmi cast her vote at Gandhi Shikshan Bhavan in Juhu for the BMC elections. “I would like to say that municipal elections affect our lives the most on a daily basis. I urge everyone to cast their vote, because if you don’t vote, you lose your right in a democracy. If you don’t vote, you can’t complain about anything,” she said after casting her vote.

AIMIM national spokesperson Waris Pathan has slammed the Maharashtra government and the State Election Commission, alleging 'chaos' during polling and claiming that the names of voters were missing.

"They were being turned back. What did the EC even do? My daughter's name was also missing... These are first-time voters and were excited to vote," he said.

Maharashtra's municipal elections on January 15 (Thursday), sparked heated disputes over indelible ink marks, with opposition leaders alleging tampering for repeat voting while authorities and the state government firmly denied the claims. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation dismissed media reports that voters' ink marks were being wiped off, clarifying BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani made no such acknowledgment. Click here to read more.

The name of former MP late Moreshwar Save appeared in the voters list during the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation polls underway. His name appears in list number 270, serial number 1305 in Khadkeshwar voting centre. Moreshwar Save passed away on July 16, 2015, reports news agency PTI.

Actor Vicky Kaushal cast his vote in Mumbai for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections 2026.

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray has said that the BJP wants to implement One Nation One Election so that it can commit fraud and irregularities across the entire nation at the "same time and seize control of the entire country".

"There are many places from where complaints are coming in. Some people's names are missing from the voter list. For the first time, we are experiencing that the ink being applied can now be cleaned off. These people are creating all this mess, and that's why I said, what does the Election Commission or the Commissioner do?" he said. 

Actor Rajat Kapoor showed his inked finger after casting his vote in the BMC elections. Rajat Kapoor said, "If you haven't voted yet, please come and vote. A few hours are left. It is very important that you vote...".

As per the latest polling data shared by civic authorities, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation recorded a voter turnout of 29.96 per cent till 1:30 pm. The voting started at 7:30 am and it will conclude at 5:30 pm.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray today questioned the integrity of the Election Commission (EC) and the prolonged delay in conducting civic polls.

Bollywood actor Padmini Kolhapure showed her inked finger after casting vote in the BMC elections 2026. The counting of votes will take place on January 16 (Friday). 

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday called for action against the Maharashtra State Election Commissioner, questioning the delay in conducting the state municipal elections.Uddhav said that it should be revealed how the Election Commissioner is paid and demanded action against those responsible for the delay in the state municipal polls."It should be revealed how the Election Commissioner is paid. The Mumbai municipal elections are being held after a nine-year gap. What were the Election Commissioner and his staff doing for these years? Action should be taken against them," Uddhav Thackeray said.The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief also urged voters to cast their votes, stating that he and his family had exercised their right.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray accused BJP of undermining democracy during Maharashtra's municipal elections on January 15, 2026, claiming their tactics justify Modi's "One Nation One Election" push. Thackeray called it "murder of democracy," alleging ink on voters' fingers is being wiped off to enable repeat voting—something unprecedented. "The Constitution says vote, but Election Commission demands proof of voting even after years without reforms," he stated.

After casting her vote, Actress Bhagyashree says, "I just think that as of now, our Mumbai city should be made perfect. This is my request to the politicians and the people to bring back the glory of Mumbai..."

Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said, "People are very enthusiastic and have come out in large numbers to cast their votes... I appeal to everyone to vote for their bright future. Over 25% of voting took place in Mumbai an hour ago, which means people want a change and development in Mumbai...". He also said, "We are fighting the elections on the agenda of development. I talked to the Election Commission, and they said we have been using EVMs since 2012, and they (opposition) know they will face defeat, which is why they are finding excuses. But the elections must be transparent and the Election Commission should arrange for it...".

After casting his vote, actor Raza Murad said, "... Whenever there is polling, whether it is for the municipal corporation, the Assembly, the parliament, or even for the graduates' constituency, I vote in all of them... Voting is not just a citizen's birthright; it is not merely a duty, it is a supreme duty. If you do not vote, then on moral grounds it is a kind of wrongdoing. Legally it may not be a crime, but ethically, not voting is wrong. It is this vote that forms the government, and through it every citizen makes their voice heard. Therefore, everyone should fully and properly exercise this right. As a responsible citizen, I always come and cast my vote on every polling day."

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray accused BJP of undermining democracy during Maharashtra's municipal elections on January 15, claiming their tactics justify PM Modi's "One Nation One Election" push. Thackeray called it "murder of democracy," alleging ink on voters' fingers is being wiped off to enable repeat voting- something unprecedented. "The Constitution says vote, but Election Commission demands proof of voting even after years without reforms," he stated.

Voting percentages from 7:30 am to 11:30 am in key Maharashtra municipal corporations show brisk early participation on January 15. 

• Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC): 9.53%
• Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC): 17.73%
• Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC): 19.63% 

NMMC leads early turnout among these urban hubs, surpassing BMC's steady climb from 6.98% at 9:30 am, as 3.48 crore voters engage across 29 corporations despite EVM glitches in other cities.

After casting his vote, Actor Aamir Khan said, "I would tell everyone to definitely cast their precious votes. BMC has made very good arrangements here."

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray criticised the Maharashtra State Election Commissioner on January 15, 2026, demanding transparency on the official's salary and accountability for the nine-year delay in Mumbai civic polls. Thackeray questioned what the Election Commissioner and staff accomplished during the prolonged gap before BMC elections finally commenced across 227 wards. He insisted on action against those responsible for the holdup in these high-stakes municipal elections. After casting his vote with family members Aaditya, Tejas, and Rashmi Thackeray, he urged Mumbaikars to exercise their franchise in the contest against BJP-led Mahayuti, with turnout reaching 17.58% by 11:30 am.

Veteran actor, film producer and Salman Khan's father Salim Khan cast his vote at a polling station for BMC elections 2026.

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections recorded 17.58% voter turnout by 11:30 am on January 15, showing steady participation across 227 wards. This marks an increase from 6.98% at 9:30 am, with over 1 crore eligible voters engaging in the high-stakes BMC contest amid family legacies and Thackeray-BJP rivalry. Polling continues until 5:30 pm statewide.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation on Thursday rejected reports claiming that the indelible ink marks on voters’ fingers were being wiped off during the ongoing civic polls and that the BMC chief had acknowledged the matter. The civic body said in a statement that such media reports were factually incorrect. It also asserted that BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani had not commented in this regard. “The municipal commissioner has not made any statement whatsoever about indelible ink being wiped off after voting. Therefore, there is no factual basis to the reports being circulated in the media,” the BMC administration said. As per procedure, polling staff apply indelible ink to one finger of the voter’s left hand at the time of casting the vote on the electronic voting machine at the polling station. In the BMC, 1,700 candidates are vying for Mumbai's 227 electoral wards. A total of 10,231 polling stations have been set up across Mumbai, and 64,375 officers and staff have been deployed for duty. 

MNS chief Raj Thackeray said, "The ink that was used before is being replaced with a new pen, and there are complaints about this new pen. If you use a hand sanitizer, the ink disappears. Now, the only option left is to apply the ink, go outside, wipe it off, and then go back inside and vote again. A new rule has been implemented for campaigning. This shows that the government can do anything to stay in power. We don't call this an election when someone comes to power through such fraudulent means. I appeal to the people, the Shiv Sena workers, and the Matoshree Sena workers to be vigilant about all these things. A person was caught casting a vote twice."

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said, "Our Municipal Corporation elections are taking place. This is an institution of our democracy that can be described as one of its fundamental pillars. Therefore, participating in it is extremely important. I sincerely appeal to all those who believe in India's democracy. I believe that voting is not only your right, but also your duty. If we want good governance in a democracy, we must go out and vote. That is why I have also cast my vote."

Approximately 7.03% voter turnout was recorded by 9:30 am across Maharashtra's 29 municipal corporation elections on January 15. This early figure covers 3.48 crore eligible voters deciding 2,869 seats in a single-phase contest ending at 5:30 pm, with BMC's 6.98 per cent aligning closely amid high-stakes battles.

(With inputs from Dinesh Mourya) 

Uddhav Thackeray, along with son Aaditya Thackeray, Tejas Thackeray, and wife Rashmi Thackeray, arrived to cast their votes in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections on January 15. This high-profile turnout underscores the intense family and political stakes in Mumbai's 227-ward contest between Shiv Sena (UBT) and BJP-led Mahayuti. Voting continues until 5:30 pm amid 6.98% turnout recorded by 9:30 am.​

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his family show their inked fingers after casting their vote for the local body elections.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with his family, arrived to cast his vote in the Maharashtra civic body polls. 

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on BMC elections, said, "Under BJP, Mumbai has been reduced to just a real-estate hub, a place where the public is ignored. We have always focused on public open spaces, parks, public hospitals, education, public transport, and infrastructure, and because of this, people have always shown confidence in us."

MNS president Raj Thackeray voted at Balamohan Vidyamandir School in Dadar on January 15, accompanied by his wife Sharmila Thackeray, son Amit Thackeray, and daughter-in-law. Post-voting, Thackeray accused the government of power misuse and election tampering, stating, "I want to specifically highlight what kind of government and system is running. They're doing whatever it takes to win elections." He cited duplicate votes initially denied then admitted, unresolved VVPAT issues, and the new PADU machine not being shown to voters. Thackeray claimed the administration works at the ruling party's behest, with sanitizer removing traditional ink marks easily. He alleged fake elections can't be called democratic and cited a caught duplicate voter, urging vigilance: "Go out, wipe the ink, come back in- everyone stay alert. I've instructed all MNS workers to remain vigilant."

(With inputs from Sachin Chaudhary)

Mumbai's BMC elections feature several high-profile family legacies and political comebacks across key wards. Candidates include relatives of prominent leaders from Shiv Sena UBT, BJP, and other parties, heightening the stakes in the battle between BJP-led Mahayuti and the Thackeray factions. Samadhan Sarvankar, son of former MLA Sada Sarvankar, contests Ward 194 in Worli, overlapping Aaditya Thackeray's area. Priya Gurav Sarvankar, Sada's daughter, targets Ward 191 in Mahim; Saurabh Ghosalkar, son of Vinod Ghosalkar, runs in Ward 7, Dahisar.
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MNS chief Raj Thackeray, along with his family, arrives at a polling station in Mumbai to cast his vote for the BMC elections. Uddhav Thackeray is reaching in a short while to cast his vote.

BJP State President Ravindra Chavan says, "Under the leadership of PM Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, we have run an election campaign on a development agenda, and we fully believe that 29 municipalities will elect a mayor from Mahayuti."

On Maharashtra local body polls 2026, Shiv Sena candidate Priya Sarvankar says, "Shiv Sena and BJP are moving forward with a development agenda, while opposition parties are advancing a 'Bhai-Bhai' agenda (brother-brother alliance). All Mumbaikars will vote for our development agenda..."

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari arrived at New English School polling station to cast his vote in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections on January 15, 2026. He was accompanied by his wife, Kanchan Gadkari, as voting continues across Maharashtra's 29 civic bodies. This high-profile participation underscores the stakes in Nagpur's 151-seat contest, where BJP aims to defend its 2017 landslide of 108 seats against multi-party challenges. Polling runs until 5:30 pm amid reports of EVM glitches in other cities.

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) general elections commenced on January 15, 2026, recording 6.98% voter turnout by 9:30 am across 227 wards. This early figure reflects initial participation among over 1 crore eligible voters amid heightened security and high-profile contests between BJP-led Mahayuti and Thackeray factions. Polling continues until 5:30 pm, with facilities like pink booths for women and assistance for seniors encouraging steady influx. Statewide civic polls face EVM glitches, but Mumbai reports smooth operations so far.​

(With inputs from Rajesh Kumar) 

In BMC, 1,700 candidates compete for 227 single-member wards after a four-year delay. The BJP-led Mahayuti faces a united front from Thackeray cousins Raj and Uddhav, testing their influence post-2022 Shiv Sena split. Unlike Mumbai's single-member wards, other corporations use multi-member wards. Results will be counted on January 16 amid high political stakes. All eyes are on the Mumbai municipal corporation, the country’s richest civic body, where cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have reunited after two decades. In all other cities except Mumbai, voters will cast multiple votes for the first time to choose multiple corporators for each ward, under the panel system. In Mumbai, however, voters will have to cast a single vote due to the traditional one-ward-one-corporator model.

Members of a family show their inked fingers after casting their votes at a polling station in Mumbai for the BMC elections. After casting her vote, a Mumbaikar said, "We should all come out and cast our votes for the future of Maharashtra. I came here along with my family to cast our votes at 7:30 am."

Maharashtra Forest Minister and senior BJP leader Ganesh Naik was unable to exercise his franchise in the Navi Mumbai civic polls on Thursday as his name was missing from the voters’ list. Naik said he had been voting for many years at Navi Mumbai School No. 94 along with his family, but this time he was told that voting would take place at the St Mary High School. "When I went there, there was no room number 9 as informed, and my name was not in the voters' list, so I could not cast my vote," Naik told reporters with a wry smile outside School No. 94.

After casting his vote for the BMC elections, Musician Vishal Dadlani said, "Hopefully, whoever wins will hold the elections on time. This is very important for the country, for democracy. But given the state of our city in the last few days, the hope is that things will improve. I've stopped asking people to vote. What I'm seeing here is that there's hardly any public presence. There are more officials inside, it's so shameful. Every Indian should feel pain seeing this. If we don't take care of our country, if we don't take responsibility for it, then what's happening will continue to happen. First of all, the air and water should be clean, the basic necessities for human life."

After casting his vote in BMC polls, actor Nana Patekar said, "I travelled over three hours to vote because it is essential in a democracy, and will be returning immediately. I urge everyone to come out and exercise their right to vote."

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An EVM machine malfunction at Girls High School polling station 23 in Amravati disrupted voting on January 15, 2026, keeping the machine offline for 25 minutes after polls opened at 7:30 am. Voters waited outside during the outage, part of broader technical issues across Maharashtra's civic elections. The machine resumed operation after 25 minutes, allowing voting to restart amid growing queues. Candidates have demanded a 25-minute extension to compensate for the delay, echoing similar frustrations in Dhule, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and other cities.

(With inputs from Maya Dolas) 

EVM machines malfunctioned at several polling stations in Dhule city during the municipal corporation elections on January 15, halting voting for about 30 minutes in wards 4, 5, 10, 11, 15, 16, and 19. Voters faced significant inconvenience as machines suddenly shut down, contributing to statewide technical glitches reported earlier in the day.​ Election officials responded swiftly by dispatching technical teams to repair the faulty machines. Efforts continue at war footing to restore smooth voting, aligning with the State Election Commission's directive to deploy buffer EVMs across Maharashtra's 29 civic bodies.

(With inputs from Ubaid Kadri) 

Multiple EVM malfunctions have marred voting across Maharashtra's 29 municipal corporations on January 15, 2026, shortly after polls opened at 7:30 am, causing delays and voter frustration in cities like Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nashik, and Solapur. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, machines failed for an hour at Gujarati Kanya School, sparking chaos, while Dnyaneshwar Vidyalaya in Begampura halted for 30 minutes; local leaders demand time extensions. Nashik saw post-mock poll errors at Ward 29 and Modern High School, and Jalgaon's Urdu School No. 15 faced machine arrangement disputes. Solapur's Congress candidate Rahul Sharma criticized delayed repairs at Sangameshwar College; Nanded's Mahatma Phule High School waited 30 minutes, with further glitches in Dhule and late starts in Amravati. The multi-candidate panel system outside Mumbai adds confusion for 3.48 crore voters across 2,869 seats. Authorities ordered buffer EVMs and technicians deployed immediately, with Mumbai introducing PADU devices for result verification. Counting remains set for January 16 amid these disruptions.
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The polls test political heavyweights like the Thackeray brothers and the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance amid Shiv Sena's 2022 split. Around 1,700 candidates compete, with 55.17 lakh male, 48.27 lakh female, and 1,099 other voters. Voting spans 29 municipal corporations, with BMC as the highlight; counts occur on January 16.

After casting his vote for the BMC elections, former Uttar Pradesh Governor and BJP leader Ram Naik said, "After many years, this municipal corporation election is finally being held. That's why this election is so important... I don't want to say anything about who should get how many votes, but I keep meeting people outside the polling stations in this area."

Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar shows his inked finger after casting his vote for the BMC elections. He said, "This is a very important election. It gives us a chance where we can express our opinion through votes. Everyone should come out and cast their votes."

Over 28,000 police personnel were deployed across Mumbai to maintain law and order as voting for the city’s civic body polls got underway on Thursday, officials said. Long queues were seen at various polling booths, as the voting commenced at 7.30 am for the 227-ward Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Police deployment at the polling centres had been done well in advance to ensure a safe and peaceful election process, an official said. More than 25,000 constables, 3,000 officers, including 10 additional commissioners, 33 deputy commissioners and 84 assistant commissioners of police were posted at various polling centres and important places in the city, he said.

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Former Union Minister and senior BJP leader Prakash Javadekar said, "Today, there are municipal elections in Maharashtra, and I cast my vote during my morning walk. This is the primary duty of every citizen, and therefore, everyone should come and vote for their preferred candidate immediately. Under the double-engine government of Fadnavis and PM Modi, this is the kind of work we do..."

On BMC elections, Mumbai BJP president Ameet Satam said, "We have prayed at the feet of Lord Siddhivinayak, asking him to grant us strength and blessings to build a developed and safe Mumbai in the coming times. May this day be recorded as a historic day for Mumbai. I urge all Mumbaikars to cast their votes in large numbers for a developed and safe Mumbai, and for the protection of future generations..."

NCP (Sharad Chandra Pawar faction) Pune city president Ankush Kakade cast his vote early morning for Panel No. 27 in the Pune Municipal Corporation elections. While voting, he raised an objection when the EVM button for the fourth candidate failed to light up, despite lights working for the first three candidates. Pune's wards use a four-candidate panel system, requiring voters to select all four. Officials at the polling station assured Kakade that his vote was successfully recorded despite the light malfunction. The NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) and Sharad Pawar faction remain allied in the Pune Municipal Corporation polls.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat after casting vote in Nagpur civic polls said that when you opt for NOTA button in the voting machine, you indirectly promote unwanted candidate. 

On BMC elections 2026, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC said, "The voting will begin with the blessings of Maa Mumba Devi and Shri Siddhivinayak. I urge every Mumbaikar to cast their vote because it is a quality of democracy which empowers you to voice your questions...". She added, "The opposition is finding excuses for its defeat, with EVMs, Election Commission, ED, CBI... Mumbaikars will only vote for development... The mayor of Mumbai will be a Marathi manus, a Hindu, and the one whose heart beats for this city and wants to work for it...".

On BMC polls, actor Akshay Kumar said, “Today is the BMC election and, as Mumbaikars, this is the day when we have the remote control. Therefore, all the people of Mumbai must come out and vote, rather than complaining later about things not being in good shape. Everyone should vote to elect the right people. If you want to be the real hero of Mumbai, then instead of dialogues, you should come and vote.”

Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shellar casts his vote, said, "It is a very important election for municipal corporation, for development of Mumbai city, for the budget of over  Rs 40,000 crore. We have to make our Mumbai a developed Mumbai. I appeal the voters to come out in large numbers...you have the opportunity to teach a lesson to corrupt party of Thackeray."

Of the 29 municipal corporations going to elections, nine are located in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The cities and towns voting include Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Navi Mumbai, Vasai Virar, Kalyan Dombivli, Kolhapur, Nagpur, Mumbai, Solapur, Amravati, Akola, Nashik, Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune, Ulhasnagar, Thane, Chandrapur, Parbhani, Mira Bhayandar, Nanded Waghala, Panvel, Bhiwandi Nizampur, Latur, Malegaon, Sangli Miraj Kupwad, Jalgaon, Ahilyanagar, Dhule, Jalna and Ichalkaranji.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat shows his finger after casting his vote for Maharashtra civic body elections in Nagpur. After casting his vote in the BMC polls, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat said, “In a democratic setup, voting is needed to elect the government, and hence it is the duty of every citizen. With balanced opinion and consideration for people’s welfare, it is our duty to vote for the right candidate. It is the first duty of the day, and that is why I came here first to stand in line and vote.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) posted this poster on its social media handle ahead of the BMC polls, "If you miss today, you'll lose it forever. Rise up for your Mumbai today and vote." The stark message urges Mumbaikars to turn out in force from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm across 227 wards, amid the high-stakes battle between Thackeray factions and BJP-led Mahayuti. Posted as voting begins on January 15, the poster taps into Shiv Sena (UBT)'s legacy appeal, warning of permanent loss if voters skip this chance to reclaim influence in the Rs 74,400 crore BMC.

Mock poll took place at a polling booth in New English School on Tilak Road in Pune. Voting commenced from 7.30 am in 29 different Municipal Corporations across Maharashtra today and it will continue till 5:30 pm. 

RSS Chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat arrives to cast his vote at the Bhauji Daptari NMC School in Nagpur's Mahal. 

All eyes are on the Mumbai municipal corporation, the country’s richest civic body, where cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have reunited after two decades. In all other cities except Mumbai, voters will cast multiple votes for the first time to choose multiple corporators for each ward, under the panel system. In Mumbai, however, voters will have to cast a single vote due to the traditional one-ward-one-corporator model. Unlike Mumbai's single-member wards, other corporations use multi-member wards. Results will be counted on January 16 amid high political stakes.

Schools and colleges in parts of Maharashtra, particularly in areas under the 29 municipal corporations holding civic polls on January 15, are expected to close due to the public holiday declared by the Maharashtra State Election Commission. This measure facilitates voter turnout and smooth polling operations, especially where school premises serve as polling stations. The holiday covers government, semi-government offices, banks, and public sector units in poll-bound regions like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. Essential services such as hospitals, public transport, and emergency responders remain operational.

Ahead of polling, the South Mumbai Returning Officer Krishna Jadhav highlighted assistance for senior citizens, including teams escorting them to polling stations. Pink booths for women feature all-female staff in pink sarees and pink decor.

Mumbai Police have intensified security measures ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls scheduled for January 15. Voting occurs from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm across 227 wards, with over 1 crore eligible voters participating. Police installed barricades at key locations and conducted vehicle checks to maintain order. Over 28,000 personnel, including senior officers like 10 Additional Commissioners and specialized units such as SRPF and QRTs, are deployed citywide.
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