In a political “earthquake” that has redefined the power structure of India’s financial capital, Ritu Tawde of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been named the mayoral pick for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Her nomination marks the first time in a quarter-century that the mayor’s post will not be held by the Shiv Sena, ending the Thackeray family’s decades-long dominance over the institution.
The announcement was made Saturday at the BMC headquarters by BJP leader Amit Satam and Shiv Sena leader Rahul Shewale. Tawde, a seasoned two-term corporator from Ghatkopar (Ward 132) and former Chairperson of the BMC Education Committee, is set to lead the corporation as it manages a record Rs 74,450 crore budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
A Shared Mandate: The Deputy Mayor and the Shinde Factor
While the BJP claims the top spot, the Deputy Mayor’s post remains with the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction). Sanjay Shankar Ghadi, a prominent leader who defected from the Uddhav Thackeray camp during the 2022 state government collapse, has been nominated for the role.
In a strategic move to manage internal party aspirations, the Shiv Sena will split the five-year term into 15-month windows, allowing four different corporators to hold the post. Ghadi will serve the first of these terms.
BMC Election 2026: The Final Tally
The high-stakes elections, held on January 15, 2026, after a nine-year hiatus and nearly four years of administrative rule, saw the BJP emerge as the undisputed single largest party.
| Party / Alliance | Seats Won | Strategic Standing |
| BJP | 89 | Single Largest Party |
| Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) | 29 | Ruling Partner |
| Shiv Sena (UBT) | 65 | Leading Opposition |
| INC (Congress) | 24 | Significant Decline |
| AIMIM | 8 | Stronghold in pockets |
| MNS | 6 | Minor gain |
With a combined strength of 118 seats (supplemented by independent support), the Mahayuti alliance comfortably clears the majority mark of 114 in the 227-member house.
The Significance of the Shift
The transition from Shiv Sena (UBT) rule to a BJP-led administration is more than just a change in personnel. It signals a major shift in Mumbai’s governance priorities, with the BJP promising a “corruption-free” administration focused on infrastructure and Ease of Living. For the Thackeray-led Sena (UBT), the loss of their “invincible fortress” represents a significant setback in their quest to remain the primary voice of the Marathi manoos in the city.