The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has named Ritu Tawde as its candidate for the post of Mumbai Mayor, while its ally Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) has chosen Sanjay Ghadi for the post of Deputy Mayor. The decision was announced ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) mayoral election scheduled for February 11.
The mayor’s post this year is reserved for a woman from the general category, paving the way for Tawde’s nomination. Her name was announced by Mumbai BJP president Amit Satam after discussions within the ruling alliance.
Ritu Tawde is a three-time corporator from Ghatkopar and has been active in Mumbai’s civic politics for several years. She has earlier served as the Chairperson of the BMC Education Committee and is known for her work in municipal administration. If elected, she will become one of the few BJP leaders to hold the mayor’s post in Mumbai.
The BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena are part of the Mahayuti alliance, which secured a clear majority in the recent BMC elections. The BJP emerged as the single largest party, while Shiv Sena also won enough seats to comfortably support the alliance’s leadership in the civic body.
As part of the power-sharing arrangement, Shiv Sena named Sanjay Shankar Ghadi as its nominee for Deputy Mayor. Ghadi is a corporator from Ward 5 and has been active in local civic issues. His appointment was finalised after approval from senior Shiv Sena leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The alliance is expected to win both posts without difficulty due to its strong numbers in the BMC. The new leadership is expected to take charge at a time when Mumbai faces key challenges related to infrastructure, urban services, and governance.
