Who Is Ritu Tawde? BJP’s Mumbai Mayor Pick and the Local Leader Rising from Ghatkopar

Mumbai: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken an important step in Mumbai’s civic politics by naming corporator Ritu Tawde as its candidate for the post of Mayor of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The decision highlights the party’s focus on grassroots leadership and leaders with strong connections at the ward level. As part of the Mahayuti alliance, the Shiv Sena has announced corporator Sanjay Shankar Ghadi as its nominee for the post of Deputy Mayor.

Ritu Tawde is expected to file her nomination soon, after which the formal process to elect Mumbai’s next mayor will begin.

Who is Ritu Tawde?

Ritu Tawde is a two-time corporator from Ward 132 in Ghatkopar, an area known for its mixed population and a significant Gujarati voter base. Although she belongs to the Maratha community, her political strength comes from her ability to connect with people across communities. Local party workers describe her as accessible, visible, and consistent in addressing civic issues.

Her political journey has not been without challenges. In the 2017 BMC elections, Tawde contested from Ward 127 but lost by a margin of just over 4,000 votes. Instead of stepping away from politics, she stayed active at the ground level and later made a strong comeback by winning from Ward 132. This victory helped her emerge as a prominent BJP leader in the eastern suburbs of Mumbai.

Before joining the BJP, Ritu Tawde was associated with the Congress party. She switched to the BJP in 2012, a move that shaped her political career over the next decade. Over the years, she has focused on local issues such as road repairs, civic amenities, cleanliness, and coordination with municipal officials.

Education and background

Ritu Tawde has an academic background in commerce. She completed her higher secondary education and studied Bachelor of Commerce up to the senior year at N.G. Acharya College in Chembur in the mid-1990s. According to election disclosures, her assets have increased over the years, reflecting her long presence in public life.

How Mumbai’s Mayor is elected

The post of Mayor in the BMC is decided through a reservation lottery system conducted by the Urban Development Department at Mantralaya. Categories such as women, SC, ST, or open are selected through a public draw. Once the reservation is announced, only eligible corporators can contest.

After the official notification, the Municipal Commissioner calls a special meeting of all elected corporators. The Mayor is then elected through a show of hands, requiring a simple majority.