The historic BMC headquarters in Mumbai was ready to welcome its elected leaders after more than four years. Ritu Tawde, Mumbai’s 78th Mayor, walked into the grand chamber wearing a saffron turban and sari. She took over the role from administrator and BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani. At 53, Ms. Tawde became the second BJP mayor and the eighth woman to lead Asia’s richest civic body. She is a young, assertive Marathi, Maratha, and Konkani woman from BJP-stronghold Ghatkopar. Though BJP is the largest party in the 227-member BMC with 89 corporators, it lacks a majority. Its ally, Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, holds 29 seats. Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena faction, the main Opposition, won 65 seats, including four former mayors. Senior BJP leaders said Ms. Tawde was chosen for her energy, quick thinking, strong Hindutva stance, city knowledge, and experience. She will face challenges fighting corruption and exposing illegal links in development projects. Ms. Tawde’s political journey began over 22 years ago with social work in Ghatkopar. Initially with Congress, she joined BJP after being denied a ticket in 2012 and won. She credits her husband and mother-in-law for encouraging her. "My mother-in-law used to insist that I must make time for myself, do something with my life," she said. Known for fighting roadside mannequins in scanty clothes, she led BMC’s Education Committee and helped women secure small loans. BJP leaders praise her selfless work, especially during COVID. Now, as mayor, Ms. Tawde has set her sights on tackling "illegal Bangladeshi hawkers" and will aim to improve Mumbai’s air quality, public transport, and infrastructure safety.