Ritu Tawde | |
|---|---|
| File:Ritu Tawde official portrait.jpg | |
| Mayor of Mumbai | |
| Assumed office 7 February 2026 | |
| Preceded by | Kishori Pednekar |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 18 April 1972 Mumbai, Maharashtra. |
| Political party | Bharatiya Janata Party (2012-Present) |
| Spouse(s) | Rajesh Madhukar Tawde |
| Children | 2 |
Ritu Rajesh Tawde (born 18 April 1972) is an Indian politician who is currently serving as the mayor of Mumbai (head of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) since February 2026. A senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), she previously served as a corporator from Ghatkopar and chaired the BMC Education Committee. She is the first mayor elected after the long-delayed BMC civic polls concluded in early 2026.[1][2][3]
Political career[edit | edit source]
Tawde began her political journey with Indian National Congress party and She joined the Bharatiya Janata Party from the Congress in 2012 and is regarded within the party as a senior corporator and an aggressive Marathi face. She represented Ward No. 127 (Ghatkopar) as a corporator for multiple terms and currently represents Ward 132.[4]
Election as Mayor (2026)[edit | edit source]
Following the BMC elections held in January 2026, the BJP emerged as the largest party. Ritu Tawde was nominated by the party for the mayoral post. On 7 February 2026, she won the election held at the BMC headquarters (Town Hall), defeating the opposition alliance candidate.[5]
In her inaugural speech, she emphasized "Urban Transformation" and "Monsoon Preparedness" as her top priorities for the city.[6]
Positions held[edit | edit source]
| Period | Position | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 2012–2017 | Chairperson, Education Committee | Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation |
| 2007–2022 | Corporator, Ward 127 (Ghatkopar) | Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation |
| 2026–present | Corporator, Ward 132 | Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation |
| 2026–present | Mayor of Mumbai | Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation |
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Staff, TOI (7 February 2026). "Ritu Tawde elected as the new Mayor of Mumbai". The Times of India. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
- ↑ "Who is BJP's Ritu Tawde, named as Mahayuti candidate for Mumbai mayor?". Hindustan Times. 7 February 2026. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
- ↑ "BJP picked Ritu Tawde as Mumbai Mayor due to Marathi backing for Sena (UBT) and MNS: Raut". The Hindu. 8 February 2026. Archived from the original on 11 February 2026. Retrieved 11 February 2026.
- ↑ "Who is Ritu Tawde, two-time corporator named BJP's mayoral candidate". The Economic Times. 7 February 2026. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
- ↑ "BJP's Ritu Tawde takes oath as Mumbai Mayor". Hindustan Times. 7 February 2026.
- ↑ "My priority is a flood-free Mumbai: Mayor Ritu Tawde". Mid-Day. 7 February 2026.