Ritu Tawde is not the first BJP mayor of Mumbai, it was Dr. Prabhakar Sanjeev Pai

The first BJP mayor of Mumbai was Dr. Prabhakar Sanjeev Pai, who served from 1982 to 1983.

The 2026 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election results marked a historic victory for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra, which ended nearly three decades of Shiv Sena dominance. Following this, Ritu Tawde of BJP was elected as the 78th Mayor of Mumbai on 11 February, 2026. After she assumed office, a post is going viral on social media claiming that she is the first BJP mayor of Mumbai. The caption of the post states, “BJP’s Ritu Tawade becomes first BJP Mayor of Mumbai. Bhagwa Wave in BMC”.

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Fact Check-

When we searched for information about the first BJP mayor of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), we found several reports. One report by Loksatta, dated 26 January, 2026, shortly after the results of the local body elections in Maharashtra were announced, indicated that Dr. Prabhakar Sanjeev Pai was the first BJP mayor of Mumbai.

The report also states that the BJP achieved this achievement within three years of its formation. Using these hints, we conducted further searches and found a report published by the Indian Express. As per the report, Dr. Pai was the Mayor of Mumbai on the BJP panel from 1982 to 1983. Born in Barkur village in Karnataka, Pai moved to Mumbai at the age of 14. After completing his doctorate in Ayurveda, he joined the Public Health Department of the Greater Bombay Municipal Corporation while practicing medicine in a small clinic. He served there until 1968 before starting his political career. He was initially with the Congress. Later, when the BJP was formed in 1980, he officially joined the party. The report also states that Dr. Prabhakar Sanjeev Pai implemented many popular schemes during this period.

BMC was earlier known as the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGB). It was renamed as Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Maharashtra Day 2022.   The list of  former mayors is given on the official website of BMC  . In this, Dr. P.S. Pai’s name is given as the 53rd mayor during the period 1982-1983.

Deccan Herald also shared information regarding the BJP’s first mayor of Mumbai.

Conclusion-

Fact Crescendo found the claim made along with the viral video to be Misleading. The first BJP mayor of Mumbai was Dr Prabhakar Sanjiv Pai, elected in 1982.