In a historic shift for the country’s richest civic body, BJP corporator Ritu Tawde was elected mayor of Mumbai on Wednesday, ending a 44-year drought for the party in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Alongside her, Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Ghadi was elected deputy mayor, with both securing their posts unopposed during a special general body meeting.
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Following the election, conducted by BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani in his capacity as the presiding officer, Tawde took charge as the 78th mayor, congratulated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.
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The election marks the end of a long period of administrative rule under the Commissioner since March 2022, following the expiration of the previous general body’s term. The Bharatiya Janata Partyโ secured 89 seats in last month’s civic polls partnered with the Shiv Sena to comfortably cross the halfway mark required to claim the top posts, shifting power from the Shiv Sena (UBT), which had held control of the BMC for 25 years.
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Ahead of the ceremony, ruling coalition corporators paid tribute at Hutatma Chowk before proceeding to the BMC headquarters for the official proceedings.
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Also read:ย BJPโs Ritu Tawde to be Mumbai Mayor as Thackeray era ends in BMC