Mumbai has finally moved closer to getting a new mayor after prolonged political discussions following the civic elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially declared corporator Ritu Tawde as its candidate for the Mumbai mayor post, with the announcement made by BJP Mumbai president Amit Satam. Meanwhile, the deputy mayor position has been allotted to Shiv Sena, which has nominated Sanjay Shankar Ghadi. Both leaders have already filed their nominations at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). This development is significant as it marks the possibility of BJP securing the mayor’s post in Mumbai for the first time. BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena contested the BMC elections as part of the Mahayuti alliance, which won 118 corporator seats, including 89 from BJP and 29 from Shiv Sena. After filing her nomination, Ritu Tawde made a strong political statement regarding illegal immigration, a topic that was also a major election issue. The announcement has triggered political reactions across parties, and experts believe it could reshape Mumbai’s political landscape and governance priorities in the coming period.

