Mumbai, Feb 11 (NationPress) BJP corporator Ritu Tawde and Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) corporator Sanjay Ghadi were elected unopposed as the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday. The opposition parties, including Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress, chose not to present any candidates, facilitating a unanimous election.

This transition signifies the end of nearly four years of administrative governance in the civic body and represents a pivotal change in Mumbai’s political dynamics.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde congratulated the newly elected leaders, vowing to maintain a transparent and citizen-focused administration.

They asserted that under Tawde and Ghadi's leadership, the MahaYuti alliance would enhance Mumbai’s progress in alignment with the vision for Balasaheb Thackeray's birth centenary.

Tawde and Ghadi were ceremoniously sworn in at the BMC hall, receiving their positions from Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, amid applause from fellow corporators.

“I am exceptionally pleased that once again, the Shiv Sena-BJP Mahayuti has secured the Mayor and Deputy Mayor positions in the BMC. Ritu Tawde and Sanjay Ghadi are dedicated members of the alliance,” stated Fadnavis.

He emphasized that the Mahayuti sought votes to ensure a transparent and community-driven civic administration, and their swearing-in reflects the mandate from the citizens of Mumbai.

Describing Tawde as an experienced and robust Marathi representative who has consistently addressed civic matters, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that the alliance’s development agenda will gain further momentum under her guidance.

Regarding Ghadi, Fadnavis noted that the city would greatly benefit from his extensive experience as a senior Shiv Sainik, reiterating that the corporation will operate in line with the principles established by Balasaheb Thackeray.

Fadnavis assured that the state government would fully support the new civic leadership to provide a fresh direction for the BMC and fulfill the aspirations of Mumbai’s residents.

With Tawde’s election, the BJP has reclaimed the Mayor’s position in Mumbai after over four decades, effectively concluding the 25-year reign of the Shiv Sena (UBT) in the BMC. In the recent civic elections, the BJP emerged as the largest party with 89 seats, while its ally, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, secured 29 seats -- comfortably surpassing the majority mark of 114 in the 227-member House.

In a strategic move, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena plans to rotate the Deputy Mayor’s five-year term among four corporators, with Sanjay Ghadi set to occupy the role for the initial 15 months.

A seasoned corporator representing Ghatkopar (Ward 132), Tawde has previously held the position of Chairperson of the BMC Education Committee. Renowned for her proactive approach to civic issues and advocacy for Marathi identity, she underscored monsoon preparedness and urban transformation as immediate priorities during her inaugural address.

Upon taking office, Tawde affirmed her commitment to serving as a “sevak” of Mumbai, concentrating on enhancing roads, drainage systems, and addressing unlawful encroachments.

Meanwhile, leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT) indicated that their decision not to contest was both tactical and a recognition of the MahaYuti’s evident majority, while also paying homage to the Marathi identity of the elected officials.