MUMBAI: After much delay, the BJP has finally nominated two term BMC (Bombay Municipal Corporation) corporator Ritu Tawade as its Mayoral candidate. With BJP and Shiv Sena consisting over 227 members in BMC, together, Ritu is likely to be elected to power.
In the history of the BMC, this is the first time the BJP will have its first Mayor. The BJP's alliance partner Shiv Sena has nominated its corporator Sanjay Shankar Ghadi for the post of Deputy Mayor.
Notably, the three term BJP corporator Rajashree Shirvadkar and Sheetal Ghambir werein race for the Mumbai Mayor post.
The elections for Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and 28 other civic bodies were held on January 15 in Maharashtra.
The BJP won 89 seats in the BMC while Shiv Sena, led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, secured 29, leading the alliance to cross the halfway mark of 114 required to rule the Asia’s richest civic body.
Uddhav Thackeray led Shiv Sena won 65 seats while its ally MNS secured six corporators while congress could only secure 24 seats in BMC.
On January 22, the lottery to decide the eligibility for the mayoral posts was conducted. It was decided that the next mayor will be a woman from the General category, for Mumbai.
Along with Mumbai, Pune, Dhule, Nanded-Waghala and Navi Mumbai also got women mayors from the general category.
Ritu, the two term BJP corporator got elected from BMC ward no 132, dominated by Gujarati population dominated Ghatkopar.
Earlier she was the deputy chairman of BMC Education committee.
Ritu Tawde is known not only as a public representative, but also as a leader who takes to the streets to address the issues of the common people. Her protest for electricity bills gained attention.
She has got Global recognition after the BBC London took note of her fight for women dignity and pride.
She had also taken the administration to task by demanding strict action under the 'POCSO' Act for the safety of girl students in municipal schools.
Ritu has also fought against water mafia. Her 'Handa Morcha' to resolve water shortage in Ghatkopar turned very popular, following which the administration took strict action against water thieves.
She is also the president of the 'Maratha Pratishtha' organization.
Notably, through the 'Women's Economic Development Corporation' (MAVIM), she has provided employment opportunities to thousands of women.