February 11, 2026, Mumbai : The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation today officially entered a new chapter as Ritu Tawde, a seasoned corporator from the Bharatiya Janata Party, was elected as the 78th mayor of Mumbai. The election, which took place during a special general body meeting at the civic headquarters, marks a significant political shift in the country’s wealthiest municipal body. Tawde’s victory was secured unopposed after opposition parties, including the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress, decided against fielding any candidates for the post.
The transition ends nearly four years of administrative rule in Mumbai, which began in March 2022 following the expiration of the previous council’s term. Alongside Tawde, Sanjay Ghadi from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena was elected as the deputy mayor. The duo took charge in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who observed the proceedings from the civic gallery to mark the installation of the new municipal leadership.
Tawde is a three-term corporator representing ward 132 in Ghatkopar. She previously served as the chairperson of the BMC education committee and is recognized as a prominent Marathi face within her party. Her appointment is notable as it marks the first time a BJP leader has held the mayoral post in Mumbai in over four decades, the last being Prabhakar Pai in the early 1980s.
During her inaugural address to the house, the new mayor outlined her vision for the city, emphasizing urban transformation and modern infrastructure. She stated that her administration would focus on flood mitigation, improved traffic management, and the implementation of digital systems to enhance transparency. She also highlighted a commitment to preserving the city’s cultural identity while pursuing a development-heavy agenda.
The election results follow the civic polls held in January 2026, where the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 89 seats. Together with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena’s 29 seats, the Mahayuti alliance reached the 118-seat mark, comfortably crossing the majority requirement in the 227-member house. With the new leadership now in place, the municipal corporation is expected to begin its full legislative functions immediately, including the deliberation of the annual civic budget.
