“I Believe in Simple Living”: Mumbai Mayor Rejects ₹1 Cr Watch Rumors

New Delhi, February 28, 2026: In a direct response to a viral social media storm, Mumbai’s newly elected Mayor, Ritu Tawde, has dismissed claims that she wears a luxury watch worth ₹1 crore. Tawde, who recently made history as the first BJP Mayor of Mumbai in four decades, clarified that the timepiece in question is a modest birthday gift from her children, emphasizing her belief in simple living over brand status.

The Controversy: A Viral Snapshot

The controversy began shortly after a photograph of the Mayor started circulating on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Sharp-eyed social media users and critics claimed the watch on her wrist was a Rolex Yellow Gold Daytona, a high-end luxury model with a market valuation in India often exceeding ₹1 crore.

The post quickly garnered traction, leading to significant trolling and questions regarding the optics of such luxury for a public servant representing the “common man.”

Mayor’s Clarification: “A Gift of Sentimental Value”

Breaking her silence on the matter, Ritu Tawde took to social media and addressed reporters on February 27, 2026, to set the record straight. She described the allegations as “completely false and misleading.”

“This watch is a simple birthday gift from my children. I have no interest in brands, and initially, I didn’t even know its make. My daughter later told me it is a Michael Kors watch, which costs around ₹15,000 to ₹16,000,” Tawde stated.

She further added that the attempt to link her to a ₹1 crore timepiece was a deliberate effort to malign her image. “Spreading such rumors is irresponsible. The question of lakhs or crores does not even arise. I consider myself a sevak (servant) of the city, and my priority is the transformation of Mumbai, not luxury items.”

Political Context and Public Sentiment

The timing of the controversy is significant. Ritu Tawde assumed office on February 11, 2026, following the BMC elections, marking a major political shift in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

• Historic Win: Her election ended the 25-year dominance of the Thackeray family over India’s wealthiest civic body.
• Focus on Service: In her inaugural address, Tawde emphasized “Urban Transformation” and “Monsoon Preparedness” as her core missions.
• The “Simple Living” Narrative: By clarifying the watch’s actual brand and cost, Tawde aims to reinforce her image as a grounded leader focused on civic duties rather than personal opulence.

Conclusion

While social media often acts as a watchdog for public officials, the case of the “1 Crore Watch” serves as a reminder of how quickly misinformation can scale. For now, Mayor Tawde has put the rumors to rest, redirecting the conversation toward her plans for a “smart and flood-free Mumbai.”