Opposition Questions Rs 25.12 Lakh BMC Contract for Mumbai Mayor's Social Media
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has faced political criticism from the Opposition over a proposal and contract to manage her office's social media presence at an expense of Rs 25.12 lakh. The contract, which is now before the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Standing Committee, was awarded to M/s Runtime Solutions Pvt Ltd without inviting tenders.
According to civic documents, the contract has been listed under the BMC's Public Relations Department for a duration of one year, running from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027. The paperwork specifically notes that no public tender was invited for the assignment.
The Mayor’s office stated that the expenditure was not meant for a new publicity agency or a separate campaign for the mayor. The office explained that the BMC had previously selected Runtime Solutions Pvt Ltd through a competitive tender process to provide technical manpower for managing the municipal corporation's social media channels, and that the same existing agency was simply being utilised to handle the Mayor's outreach.
Tawde denied playing any role in the appointment and noted that she has sought a dedicated Assistant Municipal Commissioner to strengthen overall civic communication and public outreach efforts.
Civic sources, however, pointed to a letter sent in February 2026 by the Mayor to the BMC commissioner. In the communication, Tawde had requested three dedicated staff members for her office: a social media expert, a photographer, and a videographer. The personnel were sought to document and publicise her official field visits, project inaugurations, and civic programmes to build broader public awareness. Tawde noted that she had already questioned the necessity of a separate letter being sought from her office back in February.
Opposition leader and Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Kishori Pednekar raised objections to the spending, alleging that municipal funds were being diverted to promote the mayor's personal activities rather than resolving pressing civic concerns across Mumbai.
Pednekar said the BMC operates on taxes paid by city residents, and stated that the funds should be directed toward basic civic amenities, infrastructure, and essential public services rather than social media reels, meetings, and video coverage.
