On Wednesday, Mumbai witnessed a significant political shift as BJP corporator Ritu Tawde was elected unopposed as the new Mayor of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Her elevation to the city’s top civic post signals a break from nearly 25 years of Shiv Sena’s dominance over the mayoral office and marks the BJP’s return to the position after more than four decades.

The election turned into a formality after the Shiv Sena (UBT) chose not to field a candidate, clearing the path for Tawde’s uncontested win. The development is being seen as a symbolic victory for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, which has strengthened its grip over Mumbai’s powerful civic body following the recent municipal polls.

In the 227-member BMC, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 89 seats. Its ally, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, added 29 seats, giving the alliance a combined tally of 118 — enough to comfortably secure key leadership positions. The Shiv Sena (UBT) won 65 seats, while smaller parties including MNS, Congress, AIMIM and others shared the remaining seats. With an estimated budget of Rs 74,450 crore for 2025–26, the BMC remains India’s wealthiest municipal corporation, making control of its leadership politically significant.

From Grassroots Leader to Mayor

Tawde, 53, is no stranger to civic politics. A multiple-term corporator from Ghatkopar, she began her journey in municipal governance over a decade ago and steadily rose through the ranks. Over the years, she has handled responsibilities such as leading the Education Committee and serving on other important civic panels. Party colleagues describe her as a leader with strong grassroots connections and practical administrative experience. Beyond the BMC, she has also been active in the BJP’s women’s wing and initiatives related to skill development and community welfare.

Her appointment also carries symbolic weight. She becomes only the second BJP leader to hold the mayor’s office in Mumbai, the last being in the early 1980s. Additionally, she joins the list of women who have occupied the largely ceremonial but politically visible position.

As part of the alliance arrangement, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Ghadi has taken charge as Deputy Mayor. His tenure is expected to run for around 15 months, after which the post may rotate among other Sena corporators. Ghadi had aligned with Eknath Shinde during the 2022 split in the Shiv Sena, a move that reshaped Maharashtra’s political landscape.

Despite the change in leadership, the BMC continues to operate under a state-appointed administrator, as the previous elected body’s term ended in 2022. Although executive powers rest primarily with the municipal commissioner, the mayor’s role remains important for public representation and political messaging in the city.

The political undercurrents surrounding the appointment were evident in reactions from the opposition. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said, “The way Marathi people overwhelmingly voted for the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS, the BJP had to make a Marathi mayor in Mumbai.” He also alleged that Tawde had earlier been associated with the Congress before joining the BJP.

With Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expected to attend the official proceedings, the mayoral transition is being framed as more than a routine civic event. For the BJP, Tawde’s appointment represents both a symbolic breakthrough in Mumbai’s municipal politics and a strategic step in strengthening its presence in the city’s governance narrative.