A political storm has erupted in Mumbai’s civic circles after AIMIM leader Waris Pathan strongly criticised newly elected Mayor Ritu Tawde, accusing her of making divisive statements immediately after taking office.
Targeting the mayor’s announcement about taking action against alleged illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya hawkers, Pathan questioned the basis of her claims. “She has just taken charge and already started using hateful language. Where is the data? How many so-called infiltrators have been identified or arrested?” Pathan asked while speaking to reporters.
He further said that such remarks could create unnecessary fear and tension in the city. According to him, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) should focus on governance rather than political messaging. “Mumbai is facing serious problems. Pollution levels are rising, roads are damaged, and infrastructure needs urgent attention. The mayor should concentrate on solving these issues instead of making controversial statements,” he said.
Ritu Tawde was elected unopposed as Mumbai’s Mayor, marking a major political shift in the BMC. Her appointment ended a 25-year-long control of the civic body by Shiv Sena and brought the BJP back to the mayor’s post after more than four decades. The result came after Shiv Sena (UBT) decided not to contest the election. Shinde Sena corporator Sanjay Ghadi was also elected Deputy Mayor without opposition.
Soon after assuming office, Tawde declared that removing illegal encroachments would be among her first priorities. She said she would hold a joint meeting with police and civic officials to identify and act against unauthorised hawkers. The mayor also spoke about strengthening surveillance systems using digital tools and artificial intelligence to improve public safety.
In addition, Tawde outlined a broader civic roadmap that includes improving air quality, accelerating road concretisation, boosting water supply projects such as the Gargai, Pinjal and Daman Ganga dams, and introducing initiatives like zero-waste wards, a “toilet on demand” policy, youth internship programmes, and smart traffic management systems.
However, Pathan warned that politicising civic administration could distract from pressing development needs. He emphasised that governance and public welfare must remain the primary focus of the BMC.
