BJP’s Ritu Tawde and Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Ghadi have been elected unopposed as the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). This unanimous election follows the decision by the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and other opposition parties not to field their candidates. The move marks the end of nearly four years of administrator rule in the BMC and signifies a significant change in Mumbai’s political scenario.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde have congratulated the newly elected officials, pledging a transparent and citizen-centric administration. They have expressed confidence that under Tawde and Ghadi’s leadership, the MahaYuti alliance will expedite Mumbai’s progress in alignment with Balasaheb Thackeray’s vision during his birth centenary year.
Tawde and Ghadi assumed their roles in the BMC hall amidst cheers from fellow corporators, taking over from Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani. Fadnavis praised the alliance’s success in securing the Mayor and Deputy Mayor positions, emphasizing the commitment of Tawde and Ghadi to the coalition’s objectives. The Chief Minister highlighted the alliance’s promise of a transparent and citizen-focused civic governance, reflecting the mandate received from the people of Mumbai.
Describing Tawde as a seasoned and influential figure advocating for civic issues, Fadnavis expressed optimism that the alliance’s development agenda would progress significantly under her guidance. Regarding Ghadi’s appointment, Fadnavis noted the city’s advantage in having his expertise as a senior Shiv Sena member. He reiterated the commitment to running the corporation in line with Balasaheb Thackeray’s principles.
Fadnavis assured full state government support to the new civic leadership to steer the BMC in a new direction and fulfill the aspirations of Mumbai’s residents. With Tawde’s election, the BJP has secured the Mayor’s position in Mumbai after more than four decades, marking a shift from the Shiv Sena’s 25-year dominance in the BMC. The BJP, with 89 seats, emerged as the largest party in the recent civic polls, while its ally, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, secured 29 seats, surpassing the majority mark of 114 in the 227-member House.
In a strategic move, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena plans to rotate the Deputy Mayor’s five-year term among four corporators, with Sanjay Ghadi beginning the first 15 months. Tawde, a veteran corporator from Ghatkopar (Ward 132) and former Chairperson of the BMC Education Committee, has outlined monsoon preparedness and urban transformation as immediate priorities in her inaugural address. She expressed her commitment to serving Mumbai and focusing on enhancing infrastructure and addressing civic issues.
Leaders from the Shiv Sena (UBT) explained that their decision not to contest the election was strategic, acknowledging the MahaYuti’s clear majority and showing respect for the Marathi identity upheld by the elected candidates.
