Mahayuti Names Ritu Tawde Mumbai Mayor Candidate, Sujata Patil Becomes Navi Mumbai’s 13th Mayor

The Mahayuti alliance has nominated BJP leader Ritu Tawde for the post of Mumbai mayor. Tawde represents Ward 132 in Ghatkopar. At the same time, Shiv Sena has put forward Sanjay Shankar Ghadi, corporator from Magathane, for the deputy mayor's position.

Sujata Patil Elected Navi Mumbai's 13th Mayor

In Navi Mumbai, Sujata Patil was elected as the municipal corporation's 13th mayor. However, her selection triggered visible dissatisfaction among corporators within the ruling BJP during the council session.

Madhuri Sutar had directly approached senior party leadership in a bid to secure the mayoral post. Her attempt to exert pressure reportedly backfired, leading local BJP leaders to sideline her. Eventually, the party's sealed decision favoured Sujata Patil, wife of corporator Suraj Patil and a staunch supporter of minister Ganesh Naik.

Several Contenders, But A Surprise Final Choice

Until 29 January, multiple women corporators were seen as strong contenders for the mayor's role. Among the BJP's 36 women corporators, Rekha Mhatre, Saluja Sutar, Aditi Naik, Anjani Bhoir, Dayawati Shewale, Netra Shirke, Vaishnavi Naik, Shubhangi Patil and Advocate Bharti Patil were all considered.

Madhuri Sutar, Netra Shirke and Shubhangi Patil were believed to be leading the race. Patil and Shirke had previously served as heads of the standing committee and were regarded as experienced leaders with strong organisational commitment and a proven track record among the public. Notably, Sujata Patil's name was not initially part of this list.

Key BJP Meeting Expanded The Candidate Pool

On 30 January, BJP leaders and ministers Ganesh Naik, Sanjeev Naik, Sandeep Naik and Sagar Naik held a meeting to discuss the mayoral selection. District president Dr Rajesh Patil was also involved in the preliminary discussions, the report of which was later presented to minister Naik.

The local BJP committee had prepared a shortlist of nine corporators from the total of 36 women members. Sanjeev Naik, who oversaw the election process, had indicated that Ganesh Naik would add two more names, taking the number of contenders to eleven.

The state BJP had directed election observer and MLA Vikrant Patil to obtain detailed profiles of all 36 women corporators, and the information was duly submitted. Yet, conversations in the council after the election centred on the fact that Sujata Patil's name was missing even from the expanded list of eleven. Her nomination surfaced at the last moment.

Pressure Politics And Visible Discontent

Political circles within the corporation suggested that Madhuri Sutar's effort to demonstrate her strength through political pressure created unease. Some BJP corporators loyal to Naik stated that her attempt to outmanoeuvre the leadership ultimately cost her the mayoralty.

During the election proceedings, neither Madhuri Sutar nor Netra Shirke appeared pleased, with their dissatisfaction clearly visible. Both corporators removed their ceremonial turbans and took seats on the BJP benches in the council hall.

Naik Family Draws Attention In The Council

Soon after the mayoral election, members of the Naik family, including Sanjeev Naik, Sandeep Naik and Sagar Naik, entered the council together, signalling their influence. They posed for photographs alongside the newly elected mayor and were also present while the mayor and deputy mayor were escorted to their chairs, drawing significant attention from attendees.