The Mumbai Mayor race has gathered significant momentum, emerging as one of the most closely watched political developments in the city’s civic landscape. With the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed to be headed by a woman Mayor from the General category, attention has now turned to the internal deliberations within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has emerged as a dominant force in Mumbai’s municipal politics following the recent elections.

The development follows a lottery draw conducted by the Maharashtra Urban Development Department, which determines the reservation category for mayoral posts across civic bodies in the state. The draw confirmed that Mumbai’s Mayor for the upcoming term will be a woman from the General category, triggering intense discussions within the BJP over the most suitable candidate to lead India’s richest municipal corporation.

According to party insiders, six women councillors from the BJP have emerged as the leading contenders for the prestigious Mayor’s chair. Each of them brings multiple terms of civic experience, organisational strength, and grassroots influence, making the final selection both competitive and politically sensitive.

Among the front-runners is Rajshree Shirwadkar from Sion, a three-time councillor known for her deep understanding of party organisation and administrative functioning within the BMC. Her experience and familiarity with civic governance have made her a strong contender in internal discussions.

Another prominent name is Alka Kerkar from Bandra West, also a three-time councillor, widely regarded for her strong local connect and consistent engagement with residents on civic issues. Her track record in addressing neighbourhood concerns has earned her considerable goodwill within party ranks.

Harshita Narvekar from Fort, a two-time councillor, is also among the leading names. She has built her profile through active involvement in civic development initiatives, particularly in the city’s historic and commercial precincts, giving her visibility among both officials and constituents.

From the suburbs, Preeti Seetam of Goregaon has emerged as a strong candidate. A two-time councillor, she has steadily expanded her influence across suburban pockets, focusing on infrastructure, sanitation, and community engagement. Her growing support base makes her a notable contender in the Mumbai Mayor race.

Similarly, Yogita Kohli from Malad, another two-time councillor, has gained prominence through community-driven initiatives and outreach programmes. Her work at the ward level has enhanced her visibility, positioning her as a credible choice for the mayoral post.

The sixth name generating discussion is Ritu Tawde from Ghatkopar, a two-time councillor whose potential candidature has sparked both enthusiasm and internal resistance within the BJP. Party sources indicate that Tawde’s political past, including her switch from the Congress to the BJP in 2012, could become a point of contention during the final selection process. Some senior leaders are reportedly wary that this history may lead to internal objections, even as others view her administrative experience as an asset.

While these six names dominate internal conversations, party officials stress that the final decision on the Mumbai Mayor has not yet been taken. According to sources, the leadership is likely to wait until Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis returns from his Davos visit, after which high-level consultations will determine the final nominee. The delay underscores the importance the BJP attaches to the post, given Mumbai’s political and economic significance.

The mayoral contest unfolds against the backdrop of the recent Maharashtra Municipal Corporation elections, held on January 15, with vote counting completed on January 16. The results marked a significant victory for the Mahayuti alliance, which swept most civic bodies across the state. In Mumbai, the alliance’s performance reinforced the BJP’s dominance, dealing a blow to rivals including the Thackeray brothers.

Beyond Mumbai, the Mahayuti recorded wins in key urban centres such as Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, defeating the Nationalist Congress Party factions despite their combined effort. The alliance also secured victories in Thane, Kalyan-Dombivali, and Ulhasnagar, consolidating its position in Maharashtra’s urban politics.

The Congress, however, managed a notable success in Latur, winning 43 seats, while the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress alliance emerged victorious in Parbhani, indicating that regional dynamics continue to influence civic outcomes across the state.

Within this broader political context, the Mumbai Mayor race assumes added significance. The Mayor’s post, though largely ceremonial, carries symbolic weight and offers visibility, influence, and the ability to shape civic priorities. With Mumbai facing challenges ranging from infrastructure upgrades and housing to transport and environmental concerns, the choice of Mayor is expected to reflect the BJP’s governance narrative for the city.

As internal deliberations continue, the spotlight remains firmly on the six BJP women councillors vying for the post. Their experience, political acceptability, and alignment with the party’s strategic goals will play a decisive role in determining who ultimately becomes the next Mayor of Mumbai. The final announcement, expected after CM Fadnavis’s return, will mark the culmination of an intense and closely watched phase in Mumbai’s civic politics.

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