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]
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 party | Indian National Congress (Before 2012) |
| Spouse | Rajesh Madhukar Tawde |
| Children | 2 |
Political career
editTawde 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)
editFollowing 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]
Stand-up comedy ban controversy and criticism
editIn June 2026, Tawde attracted significant media attention and widespread public backlash after calling for a statewide ban on stand-up comedy shows in Maharashtra.[7] The controversy stemmed from a viral video from a show hosted by comedian Pranit More, which featured remarks by an audience member, Dr. Sejal Pawar, a student at KEM Hospital.[8] Tawde characterized the content, which included comments regarding medical cadavers, as "obscene" and "against Indian culture," asserting that such performances were "spoiling the youth."[9] Following her statement, the Maharashtra Cyber Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against More and others under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act, 2000, and Tawde announced she would formally request a ban from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.[10]
Tawde's call for a complete ban drew heavy criticism from civil liberties groups, comedians, and opposition political parties, who accused her of authoritarian censorship and political deflection. Critics argued that utilizing state machinery and police FIRs against artists was a direct assault on the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.[11] Representatives from the comedy and arts communities labeled her position "regressive" and an overreach of civic authority, arguing that her invocation of "protecting Indian culture" was an attempt to enforce moral policing across the state.[12] Furthermore, opposition leaders alleged that Tawde was intentionally magnifying a minor viral video controversy to divert public and media attention away from pressing municipal failures, such as water shortages and inadequate monsoon infrastructure planning ahead of the rainy season.[13]
Positions held
edit| 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- ↑ 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.
- ↑ "'Stand-up comedy shows should be banned': Mumbai mayor Ritu Tawde". The Times of India. 12 June 2026.
- ↑ "Mumbai Mayor seeks ban on stand-up comedy shows after Pranit More controversy". News18. 12 June 2026.
- ↑ ""Stand-up comedy shows should be banned": Ritu Tawde slams viral videos". ANI. 12 June 2026.
- ↑ "'Should Ban Stand-up Comedy Shows': Mumbai Mayor After Cadaver, Biryani Rows". NDTV. 12 June 2026.
- ↑ "Mumbai Mayor's comedy ban call slammed as 'assault on free speech'". The Indian Express. 13 June 2026.
- ↑ "'Moral Policing': Comedians, activists hit back at Mumbai Mayor's ban demand". Scroll.in. 13 June 2026.
- ↑ "Opposition calls Mayor's comedy row a distraction from civic failures". Mid-Day. 14 June 2026.