Maharashtra elections: What’s open, what’s closed tomorrow as state heads to polls?

Maharashtra is gearing up for a highly anticipated election on Wednesday, November 20, as voters head to the polls to decide the fate of all 288 Assembly seats.

The election promises to be a thrilling contest, with the ruling Mahayuti alliance going head-to-head against the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in what is expected to be a fiercely contested battle.

The Mahayuti alliance is led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and the NCP faction headed by Ajit Pawar. On the other hand, the MVA brings together Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and Sharad Pawar’s NCP (the Sharad Pawar faction).

Ahead of this single-phase election, the state government has released detailed guidelines on the operations of various services and institutions. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what will be open and closed on polling day.

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Banks: Non-operational

As per the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) list of holidays, physical services at public and private sector banks will remain closed due to assembly elections across the state.

ATMs, digital services: Operational

Despite the closure of physical bank branches, digital banking services, including ATMs, UPI platforms, and online banking, will remain operational. Customers can continue to access financial services without disruption.

Stock market: Non-operational

Mumbai’s bustling financial hub will experience a pause in trading activities as the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) observe a holiday in observance of the elections. As a result, no trading will take place on election day.

Offices: Non-operational

On November 20, government offices across Maharashtra will remain closed for the elections. In Mumbai, all private-sector employees are granted paid leave by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to ensure they can vote. Emergency workers will also have a dedicated four-hour window during the day to cast their ballots.

Liquor shops: Non-operational

As per election day regulations, liquor shops across Maharashtra will remain closed on November 20. The dry day measure is in place to prevent any disruptions and ensure that voters can cast their ballots without the influence of alcohol.

Public Transport: Operational

Public transportation in Maharashtra will remain fully operational on November 20. In Mumbai, key commuting options, including the Metro and BEST bus services, will run throughout the day and into the evening, with services available until midnight to ensure voters can easily reach polling stations.

Education institutions: Non-operational

Schools, colleges, and other educational institutions will be closed on November 20 to allow students and staff to take part in the electoral process. This step is intended to encourage maximum participation in the voting process.

Hospitals and Emergency Services: Operational

Hospitals, emergency medical services, and pharmacies will remain open on election day. Ambulance services will also be available to provide urgent care, ensuring that healthcare services continue without interruption.

The political showdown

The Maharashtra election is shaping up to be a high-stakes battle between the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).

Within the Mahayuti, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is contesting 149 seats, while Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena is vying for 81 seats. The Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has fielded candidates in 59 constituencies.

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On the opposing side, the MVA has the Congress contesting 101 seats, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) (UBT) contesting 95 seats, and 86 candidates from NCP (Sharad Pawar faction). Some seats will witness friendly contests between allies.

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Additionally, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has fielded 237 candidates, and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has 17 candidates in the race.

Out of over 4,000 candidates, more than 2,000 are independents.

The election results, to be announced on November 23, will have a significant impact on Maharashtra’s political landscape, with both alliances vying for dominance in the key state.

With input from agencies