Mumbai is experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime political transformation. The Shiv Sena will not hold the city’s mayoral position for the first time in 25 years here. BJP corporator Ritu Tawde is selected to be the candidate for Mayor of Mumbai, representing a significant breakthrough for the Bharatiya Janata Party. Besides, Sanjay Shankar Ghadi of Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena will take charge as Deputy Mayor. This is a watershed in the governance of Asia’s richest municipal and business unit, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Ritu Tawde, a Ghatkopar–based, three‑term corporator, long has been active in civic politics. She was chairperson of the Education Committee, in the BMC where she served to upgrade schools facilities and civic education schemes. She came on as Mayor following BJP’s dominance as the single largest party in civic elections, at 89 seats. It marked a victory over Shiv Sena's 25-year hold on the mayoral office.
The announcement has been lauded by BJP supporters as a “historic moment.” Party leaders framed it as evidence of the people’s trust in their government. Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray’s wing of Shiv Sena was disappointed from losing the mayoral seat after holding it for so long. Lots of voters are wondering how the BJP will deal with Mumbai’s ills of infrastructure, sanitation, and housing.
The mayoral shift is not merely symbolic — it signals changes taking place in Maharashtra politics. Given the Mahayuti alliance (BJP & Shinde’s Shiv Sena) now dominate both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor posts, the two parties’ collaboration will be crucial. Sanjay Ghadi is Deputy Mayor for 15 months, and represents the Shinde faction that broke free from Uddhav Thackeray in 2022.
Citizens anticipate that this new leadership will be concerned with upgrading civic services. Critical points include:
- Better waste handling and better cleanliness.
- Stronger flood protection during monsoons.
- Affordable housing projects.
- Open leadership and transparent governance and accountability.
When Ritu Tawde is appointed Mumbai’s Mayor, it is a pivotal point in the political history of the city. To BJP, it is a sign of victory; to Shiv Sena, a great blow. And as Tawde and Ghadi take on these new tasks, the Mumbai populace will be watching carefully whether this shift translates into practical advances in their day-to-day life.
