BJP's Ritu Tawde and Shiv Sena's Sanjay Ghadi Take Charge as Mumbai's New Civic Leadership
In a significant political development, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has officially announced its new leadership after a prolonged period under administrative control. BJP's Ritu Tawde has been elected as the Mayor of Mumbai, while Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena's Sanjay Ghadi has been appointed as the Deputy Mayor. The formal announcement was made by BMC administrator Bhushan Gagrani during a special meeting convened at the civic headquarters on Wednesday at noon.
End of a Four-Year Administrative Era
Ritu Tawde's appointment marks the conclusion of the administrator-led governance that has been in place since 2022, following the expiration of the previous corporators' term in March of that year. The civic elections, which were finally held on January 15, 2026, had kept the BMC under administrative rule for nearly four years, creating a unique interim period in Mumbai's municipal history.
Political Composition of the 227-Member Civic House
The election results revealed a fragmented yet decisive political landscape within the BMC. The Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the single largest party with 89 seats, while the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena secured 65 seats, positioning itself as the second-largest political force. Other notable performances included the Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena winning 29 seats, Congress with 24 seats, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) with 8 seats, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) with 6 seats, and Samajwadi Party with 2 seats. The two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party collectively won 4 seats.
Mahayuti Alliance Secures Majority
The strategic alliance between the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, operating under the Mahayuti coalition, proved to be the winning formula. Together, they commanded a combined strength of 118 corporators in the 227-member house, giving them the necessary majority to claim both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor positions. This alliance effectively paved the way for the smooth election of the new civic leadership.
High-Profile Presence During the Election Process
The significance of the occasion was underscored by the presence of top state leaders. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde were both observed in the civic gallery during the entire election process, highlighting the political importance of this municipal transition.
The installation of the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor signals a return to elected governance in India's financial capital, with expectations running high for addressing long-pending civic issues and infrastructure projects that have accumulated during the administrative interregnum.
