Mumbai Mayor Election: Who Will Lead the BMC? BJP Shortlists Eight Women Councillors for Mayor’s Post

Mumbai is set to get a new mayor from the general category of women following the outcome of the reservation lottery conducted by the Urban Development Department. The draw has confirmed that the post of Mayor of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will be reserved for a General Category woman, reshaping political equations and ending the hopes of several senior leaders.

With this development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is poised to reclaim the mayor’s post for the first time since the 1980s. As part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, the BJP will now nominate a woman councillor to head India’s richest and largest municipal body. Party insiders say the final choice will balance organisational priorities, social representation, and electoral strategy, as the BJP eyes a symbolic and strategic return to Mumbai’s civic leadership after nearly four decades.

Eight Women in the Race for Mumbai Mayor

Following the lottery result, eight prominent BJP women councillors have emerged as strong contenders for the top civic post:

Ritu Tawde
Ritu Tawde is considered one of the frontrunners. A two-time councillor from Ward 132 (Ghatkopar), she joined the BJP after leaving the Congress in 2012. While her past affiliation may work against her, her victory from a Gujarati-dominated area despite belonging to the Maratha community is seen as a political plus.

Sheetal Gambhir
Sheetal Gambhir, elected from Ward 190 on a BJP ticket, is also among the shortlisted candidates. She is known for her steady organisational work at the ward level.

Tejaswi Ghoshalkar
At 38, Tejaswi Ghoshalkar represents a younger generation of leadership. A former Shiv Sena (UBT) member, she joined the BJP ahead of the civic elections and won from Dahisar with a decisive margin of 10,755 votes. She comes from a strong political lineage, being the daughter-in-law of former MLA Vinod Ghoshalkar and wife of Abhishek Ghoshalkar.

Preeti Satam
A two-time councillor from Goregaon, Preeti Satam has a strong grassroots base in Mumbai’s suburbs. She also serves as a member of the Maharashtra Women and Child Welfare Committee.

Harshita Narvekar
Harshita Narvekar, a two-time councillor and sister-in-law of Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar, defeated a Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate from Ward 225. She is widely credited for beautification initiatives in South Mumbai areas such as Nariman Point, Marine Drive, Churchgate, Cuffe Parade, Cooperage, and Oval Maidan, all under Ward 226.

Rajshree Shrivalkar
A senior leader with three terms as a councillor, Rajshree Shrivalkar won from Ward 172 (Sion). She is the General Secretary of the Mumbai BJP Mahila Morcha and is known for her active engagement in social causes.

Yogita Kohli
Yogita Kohli, a two-time councillor from Malad, is another strong contender. She has maintained a consistent presence in civic affairs and party organisation.

Alka Kelkar
Among the most experienced candidates, Alka Kelkar is a three-time councillor and former Deputy Mayor of Mumbai. Known for her strong local connect, she recently won from Ward 98 (Bandra–Khar–Santacruz West) and is set to begin her fourth term in the BMC.

A Historic Decision Ahead

The selection of Mumbai’s next mayor carries both administrative and political significance. With the BJP preparing for a historic comeback to the mayor’s office, the final decision is expected to reflect the party’s long-term urban governance vision as well as its commitment to women’s leadership in civic administration.