Ritu Tawde Ascends as Mumbai Mayor, Marking BJP's Return After 40 Years
In a historic political shift, Ritu Tawde is poised to assume the role of Mumbai's Mayor, ending a four-decade hiatus for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the city's top civic position. With the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance holding a comfortable majority in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), her election is a mere formality, signaling a new era in Mumbai's governance.
From Congress to BJP: A Political Journey Rooted in Local Engagement
Ritu Tawde, aged 53, began her political career with the Congress party before making a strategic switch to the BJP in 2012. That same year, she secured her first civic election victory from Ward 127, laying the foundation for her rise in Mumbai's political landscape. Her educational background includes completion up to Class 12, and she declares her occupation as business, with her husband, Rajesh Tawde, being an entrepreneur.
Over the years, Tawde has solidified her political base in Ghatkopar, winning consecutive elections from Ward 121 in 2017 and most recently from Ward 132 in 2026. Ward 132 encompasses areas such as Vidyavihar East, Garodia Nagar, Somaiya College, and the Rajawadi Hospital vicinity, a locality with a significant Gujarati and Jain population that has traditionally been a BJP stronghold. Her aggressive leadership style has earned her recognition as one of the BJP's prominent figures in north-east Mumbai.
Civic Contributions and Activism: Building a Profile Through Committee Work
Within the BMC, Tawde has actively contributed through various committee roles, serving as chairperson of the Education Committee and vice-chairperson of the Works Committee. During her tenure, she has been a vocal advocate for improving the quality of municipal schools and has demanded stringent action under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act to ensure the safety of girl students in civic institutions.
Her political presence extends beyond the council chambers to street-level activism. Tawde gained widespread attention, including international media coverage, for leading protests against advertisements and lingerie-clad mannequins, which she argued insulted women. This agitation ultimately led to a ban on such advertisements. Additionally, she organized a handa (water utensil) morcha in Ghatkopar to address water shortages, prompting administrative action against water theft, and has led protests against electricity tariff hikes.
Beyond Politics: Social Work and Financial Disclosures
Outside of electoral politics, Tawde heads the Maratha Pratishtha organization and works through the Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal to facilitate employment opportunities for women. Her latest affidavit reveals total assets of Rs 5.26 crore, an increase from Rs 3.58 crore in 2017, though liabilities have risen sharply to Rs 3.02 crore from Rs 16.56 lakh previously. Her family income over the past three years has remained between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 15 lakh annually, and she has declared one pending criminal case.
A Vision for Mumbai: Servant Leadership and Cross-Party Collaboration
Upon being chosen for the Mayor's post, Tawde expressed her commitment to serving as a "servant of Mumbai." She emphasized the need for corporators to rise above party lines, maintain the dignity of the House, and work honestly for the city's welfare. Her statement reflects a focus on collaborative governance and public service, aiming to bridge political divides for Mumbai's betterment.
This appointment not only marks a personal milestone for Tawde but also signifies a strategic victory for the BJP in Mumbai's civic politics, potentially influencing future urban policies and development initiatives in India's financial capital.
