The BJP on Saturday announced Ritu Tawde as its candidate for the post of Mayor of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), while the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena named Sanjay Ghadi as its nominee for the Deputy Mayor’s position, ahead of the mayoral elections scheduled for February 11.
With the announcement, Mumbai is set to get a Mayor after a gap of nearly four years. The BMC has confirmed that the election for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be held after 11:30 pm on February 11 at the BMC headquarters.
The civic body has been functioning without elected corporators since 2022, following the end of the previous council’s tenure.
During this period, the Municipal Commissioner has been administering the corporation. The upcoming election process will be conducted under the supervision of BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, officials said.
Ritu Tawde, a senior BJP leader in the civic body, is seen as a strong contender for the Mayor’s post.
She has significant experience in municipal governance, having served multiple terms as a corporator.
Tawde was first elected from Ward No. 127 in 2012, later represented Ward No. 121 in Ghatkopar in 2017, and won from Ward No. 132 in the 2025 elections.
She has also served as the Chairperson of the Education Committee of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation.
The mayoral election is being closely watched, as it will determine the political leadership of India’s richest civic body after a prolonged period under administrative control.
