Mumbai: Mumbai mayor and BJP corporator Ritu Tawde ran into controversy when she claimed that a chronic throat ailment, which lasted nearly two years and did not respond to medical treatment, was cured through the blessings of a Jain “gurudev”.Speaking at a Mahavir Jayanti event in Borivli on Tuesday evening, Tawde described her recovery as a “big miracle”.“For nearly two years, I was struggling with a throat ailment and my voice was not as you hear it now. I approached Gurudev and told him that despite taking medication, there was no improvement. He prayed for me, and I am truly amazed that with his ashirwad, I am able to speak like this before all of you,” Tawde said at the event. Adding to this, MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha, who was also present, said that after meeting Namramuni, Tawde went on to become a corporator and eventually Mumbai’s mayor. “She has already spoken about one miracle, but there is another—after meeting Namramuni, she became mayor with the blessings of Devendra ji and Ameet bhai,” Lodha said at the same event. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut mocked the mayor’s remarks, making controversial comments that drew parallels between the “miraculous” recovery and disputed claims associated with figures such as Ashok Kharat. His remarks, which included suggestive references, triggered a sharp backlash from Tawde.Clarifying her statement on Wednesday, Tawde said, “On Tuesday even before I even reached home, such news had already been circulated. It is filthy and disgusting. Who are you associating with whom? I truly feel bad about this. I merely expressed my faith—I did not promote superstition. Unfortunately, it was presented in a distorted and objectionable manner, with no acknowledgment of the positive work I have done. Those, including Raut, who are indulging in such criticism for petty gains should introspect. Some political voices show no restraint, but when central agencies act against them, they suddenly speak of dignity and respect.” The clarifications came following her participation in the ‘Bhagwan Mahavir Janma Kalyanak Mahotsav’ in Borivli, celebrated with great enthusiasm in the presence of Rashtrasant Param Gurudev Shri Namramuni Maharaj. The event, imbued with the inspiring thoughts of Bhagwan Mahavir, was attended by several prominent leaders.
