Ritu Tawde to Take Charge as Mumbai’s 8th Woman Mayor

Mumbai | Undercover Editor News Channel, February 10, 2026

Mumbai: BJP corporator Ritu Tawde is poised to assume office as Mumbai’s next mayor after being elected unopposed in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), marking a historic shift in the city’s civic power structure. Her formal election, scheduled for Wednesday at noon, will make her Mumbai’s eighth woman mayor and bring an end to the Shiv Sena’s uninterrupted 25-year control of the mayoral post.

Tawde’s elevation also marks the Bharatiya Janata Party’s return to the mayor’s office after more than 40 years—the last BJP mayor in Mumbai being Prabhakar Pai, who served during 1982–83. The development reflects the growing dominance of the Mahayuti alliance in the country’s richest civic body.

The unopposed victory followed the decision of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) not to field a candidate against Tawde. The move reportedly came after internal deliberations at party chief Uddhav Thackeray’s residence, acknowledging the numerical strength of the ruling alliance in the 227-member corporation.

Former mayor and Sena (UBT) leader Kishori Pednekar said the decision was taken while respecting Marathi identity and the prevailing political arithmetic in the BMC.

Alliance Power Consolidation

Under the Mahayuti arrangement, the deputy mayor’s post will go to Sanjay Ghadi of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Ghadi, a corporator from Ward No. 5, will serve a 15-month tenure, after which the position will be rotated to give opportunities to other corporators within the alliance. The mayor’s term will be for two and a half years.

Ritu Tawde, 53, filed her nomination at the municipal secretary’s office in the presence of senior Mahayuti leaders, including Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha and BJP Mumbai unit chief Ameet Satam. Speaking to reporters, Tawde struck a humble note, stating that she would function as a “sevak of Mumbai” rather than merely occupying a ceremonial post.

“My priority will be the safety, development and quality of life of Mumbai’s citizens. I see this responsibility as service, not power,” she said.

Civic Experience and Political Journey

A two-time corporator from Ghatkopar East, Tawde was first elected in 2012 and went on to chair the BMC’s Education Committee, where she raised several issues related to infrastructure, civic amenities and public safety. Though she lost the 2017 civic elections, she made a comeback in the latest polls, securing 19,810 votes from her ward.

BJP leaders have underscored the symbolic significance of her election. Ameet Satam said the Mahayuti government is committed to a corruption-free civic administration.

“The BMC must be freed from corruption that flourished under previous regimes. Ritu Tawde will lead Mumbai on the path of transparent and accountable governance,” Satam said, adding that the alliance had fulfilled its campaign promise of appointing a Marathi and Hindu mayor.

Political Reactions and Opposition Criticism

While the ruling alliance celebrated the smooth and uncontested outcome, opposition voices raised objections. The NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) criticised the BJP’s choice, pointing out that Tawde was previously associated with the Congress.

NCP (SP) spokesperson Clyde Crasto said the decision had demoralised long-time BJP corporators. “By selecting a former Congress leader as mayor, the BJP has overlooked loyal party workers who have dedicated years of service,” he said.

BMC: Symbolism and Scale

Though the mayor’s post in Mumbai is largely ceremonial, it carries immense political and symbolic significance in a city where civic administration and identity politics often intersect. The BMC has been under a state-appointed administrator since March 2022 following the expiry of the previous term.

With a budget of ₹74,450 crore for 2025–26—larger than the budgets of several Indian states—the BMC remains India’s most powerful municipal body.

The mayor’s post was reserved for a woman from the open category following a lottery draw last month. While Tawde and Sion corporator Rajeshree Shirwadkar were considered potential candidates, the Mahayuti kept its decision confidential until the final day, ensuring an uncontested election. No opposition nominations were filed before the February 11 withdrawal deadline.

A New Chapter for Mumbai

Ritu Tawde’s unopposed election not only signals the BJP’s return to the mayoral office after four decades but also cements the Mahayuti alliance’s firm grip on Mumbai’s civic politics. As the city prepares for a transition after nearly three decades of Shiv Sena dominance, Tawde’s tenure is being closely watched for how effectively symbolic leadership translates into tangible civic outcomes.

“I will work as a servant of Mumbai, not as its ruler,” Tawde reiterated, signalling the tone she intends to set as the city enters a new phase of municipal governance.