Ritu Tawde
Ritu Tawde | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Mayor of Mumbai | |
| Assumed office 7 February 2026 | |
| Preceded by | Kishori Pednekar |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 18 April 1972 Mumbai, Maharashtra. |
| Party | Bharatiya Janata Party (2012-Present) |
| Other political affiliations | Indian National Congress (Before 2012) |
| Spouse | Rajesh Madhukar Tawde |
| Children | 2 |
Ritu Rajesh Tawde (born 1972) is an Indian politician who is curretly 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
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)
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
| 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
- ^ 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.