Mahayuti Alliance Announces BMC Leadership Candidates Ahead of February 11 Election
The ruling Mahayuti coalition in Maharashtra has officially declared its nominees for the top leadership positions at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). In a strategic move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has put forward senior corporator Ritu Tawde as its candidate for mayor, while the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has nominated Sanjay Shankar Ghadi for the deputy mayor role.
Formal Nominations and Alliance Coordination
The decision was finalized during a high-level meeting of alliance leaders earlier this week. Mumbai BJP president Amit Satam publicly announced Tawde's selection, and former MP Rahul Shewale confirmed Ghadi as the Shiv Sena's official choice. Subsequently, both parties submitted their nominations jointly, underscoring the coalition's unified front.
In an official statement released by the Shiv Sena, the party clarified, "As per the directives of Shiv Sena chief and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Shri Sanjay Shankar Ghadi is hereby declared the authorized candidate of the Shiv Sena–BJP Mahayuti for the post of deputy mayor of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. The tenure of the deputy mayor shall be for one and a quarter years."
Power-Sharing Formula and Electoral Outlook
Under a new rotational agreement introduced by Shinde, the deputy mayor position will change hands every 15 months. This arrangement ensures that Mumbai will witness four different deputy mayors over the five-year civic term, a structured approach designed to maintain equilibrium and representation within the alliance.
With the Mahayuti commanding a decisive majority in the BMC, the upcoming election on February 11 is anticipated to proceed as a mere formality, barring any unforeseen shifts in political alignments. Although the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction has convened meetings at Matoshree and is expected to field a candidate, the ruling combine currently enjoys a comfortable and unassailable position.
Profile of Ritu Tawde: A Strategic Political Choice
Ritu Tawde's nomination carries significant political weight. A two-term corporator representing Ghatkopar's Ward 132, she is widely recognized as an assertive 'Marathi face' of the BJP in an area predominantly inhabited by Gujarati speakers. This selection is viewed as a deliberate social balancing act by party strategists.
Her candidacy had been under consideration alongside Shital Gambhir, but the leadership ultimately opted for Tawde, who was regarded as a formidable contender. Her municipal journey began with a victory from Ward 127 in 2012, followed by a successful re-election from Ward 121 in 2017. In the 2025 civic elections, she secured her seat from Ward 132. Tawde has also held the presidency of the BMC's Education Committee and has been an active participant in civic discussions and decision-making processes.
Profile of Sanjay Ghadi: A Seasoned Shiv Sena Veteran
At 57 years old, Sanjay Ghadi embodies the organizational legacy of the Shiv Sena. A BCom graduate, he completed his early education at a BMC school up to Class 7, attended Chhabildas High School in Dadar for his secondary schooling, and graduated from Siddharth College of Commerce and Economics in Fort.
His political career commenced in 1988-89 as a divisional head of the Bharatiya Vidyarthi Sena, the student wing of the undivided Shiv Sena. In 1990-91, he served as president of the Mumbai University Students' Council and as a Senate member. Over the decades, Ghadi has shouldered various organizational roles, including a stint as state general secretary in the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena before rejoining the Shiv Sena. He later ascended to the position of Shiv Sena deputy leader and currently acts as the party's Raigad district contact chief.
Elected as a corporator in 2017, he served until 2022 and was re-elected in 2026. Within party circles, he is esteemed as a loyal and disciplined organizational figure. His wife, Sanjana Ghadi, serves as a Shiv Sena deputy leader and spokesperson, while his son, Suyash Ghadi, is involved with the Yuva Sena as a legislative assembly coordinator.
