BJP's Ritu Tawde Secures Mumbai Mayor Post Unopposed, Breaking Shiv Sena's 25-Year Streak
In a significant political shift, BJP corporator Ritu Tawde is poised to become Mumbai's next mayor after being elected unopposed. This development marks the Bharatiya Janata Party's triumphant return to the mayoral position after a gap of 44 years, simultaneously ending the Shiv Sena's uninterrupted 25-year dominance over the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Uncontested Election and Political Calculations
The contest turned uncontested when the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) strategically decided against fielding a challenger against Tawde, effectively clearing her path to the mayor's office. Although the mayor's role is largely ceremonial within the municipal framework, it carries substantial political and symbolic weight in Mumbai's identity-driven civic politics.
Tawde's elevation represents the BJP's first mayoral victory in Mumbai since Prabhakar Pai's tenure during 1982–83. This transition also signifies that the undivided Shiv Sena, which controlled the BMC from 1997 through 2022, will not hold the mayor's post for the first time in nearly three decades.
Nomination Process and Alliance Dynamics
On the final day of nominations, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, which is a BJP ally within the ruling Mahayuti coalition, nominated Sanjay Ghadi as its candidate for deputy mayor. The party announced an innovative arrangement where the deputy mayor's tenure would be split, allowing multiple corporators to serve during the term.
A senior BMC official confirmed to PTI that only one nomination each was received for both the mayor's and deputy mayor's posts before the 6 pm deadline. "We have received just one nomination from BJP's Ritu Tawde for the mayor's post and another from Sanjay Ghadi for the deputy mayor's post," the official stated.
Although opposition parties chose not to file nominations, the election process will be formally completed on February 11, which also serves as the last day for withdrawal of nominations. The mayor's post has been specifically reserved for a woman candidate from the open category following a draw of lots conducted by the Urban Development Department.
Tawde's Background and Priorities
Ritu Tawde, 53, a corporator representing Ghatkopar East, filed her nomination at the municipal secretary's office amidst the presence of senior Mahayuti leaders, including minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha and BJP Mumbai unit chief Ameet Satam. Addressing reporters, she emphasized that creating a safer and more developed Mumbai would be her top priority, expressing her commitment to working for all citizens of the cosmopolitan city.
Tawde joined the BJP in 2012 after leaving the Congress party and was elected as a corporator that same year. During her initial term, she chaired the BMC's Education Committee and actively raised concerns regarding infrastructure, water supply, and public safety. She also gained attention for objecting to mannequins displaying what she considered objectionable clothing in retail shops.
Opposition Response and Identity Politics
The Shiv Sena (UBT) was initially expected to challenge the BJP nominee but reversed course after a crucial meeting at party chief Uddhav Thackeray's residence. Former Mumbai mayor and Sena (UBT) leader Kishori Pednekar explained that the decision reflected respect for Marathi identity.
"The BJP had to accept that Marathi manoos is a Hindu. If the mayor of Mumbai is Marathi manoos, we won't do anything that amounts to a bad omen. We have accepted the arithmetic and will play the role of a strong opposition and fight for Mumbai," Pednekar stated.
The Sena (UBT) had prominently raised the Marathi identity issue during last month's BMC elections, where it contested in alliance with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). The BJP emerged as the single largest party with 89 seats in the 227-member civic body. The ruling Mahayuti alliance, with a combined strength of 118 corporators, comfortably surpassed the halfway mark of 114.
Political Statements and Reactions
During a press conference earlier in the day, BJP's Mumbai unit chief Ameet Satam declared that the city was finally set to receive a BJP mayor after four decades. "We have the backing of 118 corporators and the support of more members. The Mahayuti will work to free the BMC from the clutches of corruption," he asserted.
Satam further emphasized that the alliance had consistently maintained that Mumbai's mayor would be both Marathi and Hindu. "The city will now get a Marathi, Malvani, Konkani and Hindu mayor," he added, highlighting the cultural and religious dimensions of the selection.
Reacting sharply to the development, the NCP (SP) criticized the BJP's choice, arguing that selecting a former Congress leader as mayor had demoralized party loyalists. NCP (SP) spokesperson Clyde Crasto remarked, "By choosing a former Congresswoman as mayor, the BJP has insulted its own loyal corporators who have given their blood, sweat and tears for the party."
Deputy Mayor and BMC Context
Sanjay Ghadi, a corporator from Ward No. 5 who defected from Sena (UBT) to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, will serve as deputy mayor for an initial period of 15 months, according to party secretary Sanjay More.
The BMC, recognized as India's wealthiest civic body, has been operating under a state-appointed administrator since March 2022 following the conclusion of the previous term. Its budget for 2025–26 stands at an impressive Rs 74,450 crore, exceeding the financial allocations of several Indian states and underscoring the corporation's substantial economic influence.
