BMC Denies Appointing Separate Publicity Agency for Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday issued a clarification denying reports that a separate agency had been appointed to handle publicity and social media for Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde.

The civic body addressed recent controversies and media reports claiming that a dedicated organisation had been engaged for the Mayor's social media and publicity campaigns at a cost of nearly Rs 25 lakh.

In a statement shared on X, the BMC stated that it operates multiple social media platforms and had already appointed M/s Runtime Solutions Private Limited two years ago through a prescribed tender process to manage them. The civic body added that the same agency is responsible for providing technical manpower and manages the official social media page of the Mayor's office as well.

The BMC further clarified that it has proposed extending the contract of M/s Runtime Solutions Private Limited for an additional year, covering the period from August 2026 to July 2027, to continue handling the civic body's digital platforms. This contract extension has already received approval from the Standing Committee.

Refuting claims of separate expenditures, the civic administration noted that the Mayor had not suggested appointing any separate agency or undertaking independent publicity activities. The BMC requested that facts surrounding the matter not be misrepresented and urged media outlets to refrain from spreading misleading information regarding the Mayor's office.