India, Jan. 9 -- Ahead of the Maharashtra civic polls, the State Election Commission on Friday announced a public holiday for January 15 in areas under 29 municipal corporations where polling will be held.

The public holiday will be applicable to government and semi-government offices, corporations, boards, public undertakings, banks and central government offices within the jurisdiction of the civic bodies, news agency PTI reported.

The commission also informed that preparations related to the polls, including the readiness of EVMs (electronic voting machines), have been completed. It urged citizens to take part in the democratic process.

State election commissioner Dinesh Waghmare reportedly issued instructions that an adequate numbe...