Archive · 16 Jan 2026
BMC Elections 2026: Markets Close, Voters Cast Ballots
On January 15, 2026, people in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra are voting to choose new leaders for their cities.
This is called the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election.
Over 1 crore people can vote, and there are 1,700 people running for 277 positions.
The stock markets in India are closed today because of these elections.
Some people, like the boss of a big company called Zerodha, think this is a bad idea because it affects people who invest money from other countries.
The results of the elections will be counted on January 16, 2026.
Polling for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections began on January 15, 2026, with 1,700 candidates vying for 277 ward member positions.
The main political battle is between the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and the united Thackeray camp, with the Thackeray family casting their votes early.
The Maharashtra government declared January 15 a public holiday to ensure maximum voter participation, affecting government offices, banks, and stock markets.
Indian stock markets, including BSE and NSE, are closed on January 15 due to the elections, with trading resuming on January 16.
Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath criticized the market closure, citing poor planning and lack of consideration for global investors.
- Who
- Voters in Mumbai and 28 other corporations across Maharashtra
- What
- Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections and stock market closure
- When
- January 15, 2026, with counting on January 16, 2026
- Where
- Mumbai and 28 other corporations across Maharashtra
- Why
- To elect 277 new ward members and observe the municipal corporation elections
Market Closure Supporters
Market Closure Critics
Market Closure Justification
Market Closure Supporters
The closure ensures maximum voter participation by providing a public holiday.
Market Closure Critics
The closure shows poor planning and lack of consideration for global investors.
- Polling Date
- January 15, 2026
- Counting Date
- January 16, 2026
- Total Voters
- 1,03,44,315
- Male Voters
- 55,16,707
- Female Voters
- 48,26,509
- Other Voters
- 1,099
- Total Candidates
- 1,700
- Voter Turnout (9:30 am)
- 6.98%
- Market Holiday Count (2026)
- 16 days (excluding weekends)
- Next Market Holiday
- January 26, 2026 (Republic Day)
Sources
Indian Stock Markets Closed Today For Maharashtra Municipal Elections, Trading Resumes Friday
‘Show Me the Incentive…’: Nithin Kamath uses Charlie Munger’s rule to roast market holiday
BMC polls underway: Reunited Thackeray clan takes on BJP-led Mahayuti
Stock market closure for a local municipal election reflects poor planning: Zerodha's Nithin Kamath
Indian Stock Market Shut Today: Is Maharashtra’s Civic Poll the Reason?
Buy or sell: Sumeet Bagadia recommends these two stocks to buy for the long term
‘Exchanges shut for a municipal election…’: Nithin Kamath says long way to go before global investors take India seriously
'Poor Planning': Why Indian Stock Market Was Shut For BMC Polls, And Why Zerodha's Nithin Kamath Is Angry
Zerodha CEO's Stinging Post As Markets Remain Shut For BMC Polls
‘Is it not unfair?’ Samir Arora counters Nithin Kamath over poll holidays, questions Jan 1 trading
Reliance Q3 Results 2026 LIVE: Expect steady earnings growth driven by Jio, O2C, Retail businesses
Stock market: Sensex jumps 343 pts, Nifty tops 25,700; Infosys, Tech Mahindra lead gainers
Rupee declines 10 paise to 90.44 against US dollar in early trade
