As the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) finally approaches civic polls after a delay exceeding three years, a fascinating trend of intra-family political divisions has surfaced. This phenomenon, fueled by frequent party switches and realignments, finds a striking example in the story of Tejasvee Ghosalkar. The former Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator is now campaigning as a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for the 2026 elections, creating a complex political split within her own household.
A Family Divided on Political Lines
The narrative deepens when considering Tejasvee Ghosalkar's family background. She is the daughter-in-law of Vinod Ghosalkar, a stalwart of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and former MLA. In a twist that highlights the fragmented loyalties, Vinod Ghosalkar's younger son, Saurabh Ghosalkar, is contesting from a neighbouring ward on a Shiv Sena (UBT) ticket. This sets up a scenario where the family presents a divided political front in Mumbai's Dahisar belt, specifically within the BMC’s R North ward.
The family's political journey is marked by profound personal tragedy. Tejasvee's husband, Abhishek Ghosalkar—the elder son of Vinod and a former corporator from ward 1—was tragically shot dead in February 2024. The incident, which occurred during a widely viewed Facebook Live session by local political aspirant Mouris Noronha, sent shockwaves through the city's political circles. At the time, Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray condemned the killing as a 'lawless act' and questioned the law and order situation under the then Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Campaigning on a New Turf with a New Symbol
Today, Tejasvee Ghosalkar is navigating a different political landscape. As she conducts door-to-door campaigns, she appeals to voters with folded hands, asking for their support for the Lotus symbol of the BJP. She is contesting from Ward 2 of the R North ward, covering the Dahisar East area. This is a shift from her original base in Ward 1, which became a reserved constituency for the 2026 polls, effectively closing her ticket prospects there.
Her opponent in Ward 2 is Dhanashree Kolge, a first-time corporator candidate from Shiv Sena (UBT). The seat was previously held by Sheetal Mhatre, who was elected in 2017 on an undivided Shiv Sena ticket and is now with the Eknath Shinde faction.
Despite enjoying considerable sympathy in Ward 1 following her husband's murder, Tejasvee has had to start afresh in the adjacent ward under a new party banner. Her campaign strategy involves intensive grassroots outreach: meeting residents in housing societies during the day and visiting slum areas in the evenings. Her campaign team is a blend of loyal supporters from her home turf and seasoned BJP workers from Ward 2.
Vision, Family, and Forging a New Path
Explaining her switch to the BJP, Tejasvee stated that her development goals align with the party's vision. "People have already seen the work me and Abhishek have done in Ward 1 for so many years in the past," she said. "Now after winning here, I am confident of being able to do more than that for Ward 2, especially with an MLA and MP from the area belonging to the same party." She listed redevelopment of old buildings, creating parks and theatres, and completing pending development works as her top priorities.
On the delicate matter of her family's opposing political affiliations, Tejasvee emphasized a clear separation. "At home we are a family. Outside we are loyal to the party we represent. Politics and family are two separate things," she asserted. She revealed that her father-in-law initially advised her against leaving, a sentiment she initially shared. However, her focus on area development and her children's future guided her decision. She acknowledged the support of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who has personally enquired about her campaign.
Regarding her brother-in-law Saurabh's campaign in Ward 7, Tejasvee said they are both too engrossed in their own campaigns to track each other closely. "We both reach home so late, tired after the day’s campaigning. We do not get time to discuss politics at home," she remarked during a campaign stop in Dahisar's Anand Nagar area.
Acknowledging the challenge of merging her previous Shiv Sena support base with new BJP workers, Tejasvee said she has actively worked to resolve resentments. "It is a fact that some workers were upset when I came here and got the ticket. I listened to their concerns and most of the issues are resolved," she explained, stressing that the ultimate goal of development unites everyone.
She admits this election is a significant challenge, navigating a new party and a new ward. "But I have accepted it with zest," she said. "Life after Abhishek’s death has not been easy. It is the party workers and local citizens who have helped me rebuild myself. And I believe this support will continue." Her story remains a compelling subplot in the high-stakes drama of the delayed BMC elections.
