Maharashtra assembly election: What’s open, what’s closed on November 20

With voting for assembly elections scheduled for Wednesday, Maharashtra is set to observe a partial shutdown on November 20. The state government has declared a public holiday on November 20 to ensure greater participation in the electoral process. However, some emergency services will remain open across the state.

Here’s a detailed look at what remains open and closed on polling day:

All banks in Maharashtra, public and private, will remain closed on November 20 on account of assembly elections in the state. Digital banking services and ATMs, however, will continue to operate.

The Bombay Stock Exchange (NSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) have declared a trading holiday on November 20 due to the assembly polls. This closure applies to all trading segments, including equity, derivatives, and currency markets. Regular trading will resume on the following day.

All government offices will be closed on November 20. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has also mandated paid leave for employees of private companies to encourage voter participation in the assembly elections. However, hospitals, pharmacies and other emergency services will function as usual. Emergency workers will be given a four-hour window to cast their votes.

All public and private educational institutions, including schools and colleges, will remain shut on Wednesday. Many educational institutions are being used as polling stations. Regular classes will resume on November 21.

All liquor shops across Maharashtra will remain closed on November 20 as per the Election Commission's guidelines to maintain law and order during polling. The prohibition will be in place until the conclusion of polling on November 20. This rule applies to bars, pubs, and restaurants serving alcohol as well.

Public transport, including local trains, buses, and metro services, will function as usual to facilitate easy movement for voters. Auto-rickshaw and taxi services are also expected to run without disruption. The BMC will provide free transport, wheelchairs to the differently abled voters of Mumbai at polling stations to exercise their right to vote easily on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.