The Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) has set new rules for candidates in the upcoming civic polls, disallowing microphones and large groups during door-to-door campaigns after the public campaigning period ends. The elections for 29 municipal corporations will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Public canvassing officially ended on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 evening. The SEC permits candidates to visit voters' homes after this date, but only in groups of five or fewer and without microphones. Candidates can meet voters beyond 100 meters from polling stations but must avoid using loudspeakers or electronic media, restricting the campaign to direct personal contact. This order is based on a previous directive from February 14, 2012, clarifying that limited personal outreach is not the same as public canvassing, provided strict rules are followed. The SEC also maintains a complete ban on campaigning via electronic media, including SMS, after the public campaign ends. This directive has been shared with all municipal commissioners and district collectors to ensure enforcement. Opposition parties criticized this move, saying it weakens the poll body's own restrictions and lets candidates continue in-person campaigning despite the formal end to public canvassing.