Politics – BJP Returns to Power in Mumbai Civic Body After Four Decades
Politics – The Bharatiya Janata Party has reclaimed control of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation after a gap of 44 years, marking a significant shift in the city’s political landscape. The party secured the mayoral post with the election of Ritu Tawde, while Sanjay Ghadigaonkar from the Shinde-led Sena faction assumed office as Deputy Mayor. The development is being viewed as a major political milestone for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who played a central role in consolidating support for the party within the civic body.
A Long-Awaited Political Breakthrough
For decades, the BJP had struggled to capture the top post in India’s richest municipal corporation. The latest outcome ends that prolonged wait and signals a new phase in Mumbai’s civic administration. Party leaders described the result as the culmination of sustained groundwork and strategic negotiations.
Ritu Tawde, a senior BJP corporator, emerged as the party’s choice for mayor. Her appointment is seen as part of a broader plan to strengthen the party’s influence in urban governance. Meanwhile, the inclusion of Sanjay Ghadigaonkar as Deputy Mayor reflects the evolving political alliances within Maharashtra’s ruling establishment.
Viral Photo Sparks Online Speculation
Even as the new administration began settling into office, an unexpected controversy placed Mayor Tawde in the spotlight. A photograph of her circulating on social media platforms triggered a wave of speculation about the wristwatch she was wearing.
Several users claimed that the watch appeared to be a high-end Rolex model. Some posts went further, identifying it as a yellow gold Rolex Daytona with a light-colored dial. The alleged retail value was estimated at ₹60 to ₹70 lakh, with claims that its market price in India could exceed ₹1 crore. These assertions quickly spread, drawing reactions ranging from curiosity to criticism.
The claims gained traction across social media, leading to online trolling and pointed remarks aimed at the newly elected Mayor.
Mayor Refutes Luxury Watch Allegations
Addressing the controversy, Ritu Tawde responded publicly through her official social media account. She rejected the reports outright, describing them as inaccurate and misleading. According to Tawde, the watch in question is from the brand Michael Kors and not a Rolex Daytona, as widely speculated.
She clarified that the watch does not carry the exorbitant price being circulated online and dismissed suggestions that it was worth lakhs or crores of rupees. Calling the rumours baseless, Tawde said such narratives were being used to create unnecessary controversy around her.
The Mayor also indicated that she would not be distracted by what she described as attempts to tarnish her image. She maintained that public representatives should be evaluated on their work rather than unverified social media claims.
Focus Shifts Back to Civic Administration
With the clarification issued, party leaders have urged attention to return to governance and policy matters facing Mumbai. The municipal corporation oversees key sectors such as infrastructure, sanitation, health services and urban planning, making its leadership crucial for the city’s functioning.
Political observers note that the BJP’s return to the mayor’s office could influence administrative priorities in the coming months. However, they also point out that civic governance requires cooperation across party lines to address Mumbai’s complex urban challenges.
As the initial controversy subsides, the spotlight is likely to shift back to the new leadership’s performance and policy decisions. For now, the BJP’s historic regain of the mayoral post remains the dominant development in Mumbai’s evolving political narrative.