Tejasvi Ghosalkar Appointed Director Of BJP-Run Mumbai Bank, Fuels Speculation Of Shift Ahead Of BMC Polls

Former UBT Shiv Sena corporator Tejasvi Ghosalkar has been appointed as a director of Mumbai Bank, which is managed by BJP MLC Pravin Darekar. The appointment comes amidst mounting speculation that Ghosalkar, reportedly disillusioned with her current political affiliation, may be preparing to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.

The appointment has raised eyebrows, as it coincides with ongoing rumors about her potential shift to the BJP. Just last month, Tejasvi met with Uddhav Thackeray, leader of the UBT faction of Shiv Sena, where she reiterated her loyalty to the party. However, her recent elevation to a prominent position in Mumbai Bank — controlled by BJP leader Pravin Darekar — has further fueled speculation regarding her future political moves.

The position Tejasvi now holds became vacant following the tragic death of her husband, Abhishek Ghosalkar, who previously served as a director of Mumbai Bank. Following his untimely demise, the seat remained vacant until the bank appointed Tejasvi in his place. For the past year, she had been actively pursuing a directorial role, and the decision was finalized during the bank’s board meeting held on Thursday.

Pravin Darekar, president of Mumbai Bank and senior BJP leader, stated that the appointment was made out of sympathy and respect for the deceased. “The board has made this decision unanimously, and it was necessary to fill the vacant position,” he said, acknowledging the sensitive circumstances.

The timing of the appointment has prompted many to question whether this move is a precursor to Tejasvi’s formal switch to the BJP — a party that has been actively wooing Shiv Sena leaders disenchanted with Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership. Previously, reports suggested Tejasvi was unhappy within Shiv Sena, with rumors claiming she had even submitted her resignation. However, after a one-on-one meeting with Uddhav at Matoshree, she clarified to the media that no final decision had been made regarding her political future.

Following the meeting, Tejasvi stated: “Uddhavji listened to my grievances. I will take further decisions after I receive satisfactory answers. I want to make it clear that I have not joined any other party.” Addressing rumors of her joining the BJP, she asserted, “I have not made any decision to join the BJP. I am still with UBT Shiv Sena. I haven’t committed any betrayal yet.”

She also expressed her frustration with the local Shiv Sena leadership, saying she had repeatedly raised constituency issues but received no response. “That’s why I had to approach Uddhav Thackeray directly,” she explained.

Adding to the intrigue, her father-in-law Vinod Ghosalkar — a prominent UBT Shiv Sena leader — recently met with Uddhav Thackeray and senior party leader Sanjay Raut. After the meeting, Vinod informed the media that both the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena were pressuring Tejasvi to join them.

Tejasvi Ghosalkar is a former corporator from the Dahisar area, where UBT MLA Vinod Ghosalkar has held a stronghold for over two decades. The BJP and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, which aim to weaken the UBT’s hold in Mumbai ahead of the BMC elections, are actively attempting to draw influential UBT leaders into their fold — and Tejasvi is high on that list.

If the Mahayuti alliance succeeds in inducting her, it could significantly dent UBT Shiv Sena’s influence in Dahisar. Tejasvi has earned a strong reputation for her work alongside her husband and father-in-law in the region, particularly among Marathi voters. She also enjoys widespread public sympathy following the murder of her husband, Abhishek Ghosalkar, last year. This combination of grassroots connection and public support has made her a politically valuable figure — one that every major political formation is eager to bring into its camp.