Maharashtra is gearing up for the Assembly elections scheduled for Wednesday, November 20, when voters will elect representatives for all 288 constituencies. The State Government has issued directives to ensure smooth polling, including a public holiday and operational guidelines for various sectors.
Key Updates for Election Day
Banks:
All banks in Maharashtra will remain closed on November 20, as per the Reserve Bank of India’s holiday schedule. However, digital banking services like ATMs, UPI platforms, and online banking will continue to operate, ensuring uninterrupted access to financial services.
Educational Institutions:
Schools, colleges, and other educational institutions across the state will remain closed on November 20. The closure aims to facilitate student and staff participation in the electoral process.
Stock Markets:
The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) will observe a trading holiday on election day. There will be no trading activity on November 20.
Offices:
Government offices will remain closed. Additionally, private-sector employees in Mumbai will receive paid leave as directed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to enable them to vote. Emergency workers will be granted a four-hour window to cast their votes during the day.
Public Transport:
Public transport services, including buses and Metro operations, will be fully operational across Maharashtra. In Nagpur, services such as the Metro and Aapli Bus will run until midnight to ensure voters can commute without difficulty.
Healthcare Services:
Hospitals, emergency medical facilities, and pharmacies will remain open. Ambulances and other emergency services will also be available to address urgent medical needs.
A Pivotal Political Contest
The 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections will see a close contest between the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), and BJP, has announced its seat-sharing arrangement:
- BJP: 148 seats
- Shiv Sena: 80 seats
- NCP (Ajit Pawar faction): 53 seats
- Allies: 7 seats
The elections are expected to be a decisive moment in Maharashtra’s political landscape, with both alliances vying for a majority to form the next government.