Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde Rejects Viral Claims of Sporting Rs 1 Crore Rolex Watch

Mumbai’s newly elected mayor, Ritu Tawde, has firmly dismissed social media allegations that she was wearing a luxury Rolex Daytona watch valued at around Rs 1 crore.

The controversy erupted after a photograph of Tawde sporting a timepiece circulated widely online, prompting users to identify it as a Rolex Yellow Gold Daytona model. Reports circulating with the image suggested the watch’s retail price ranges from Rs 60-70 lakh globally, with prices in the Indian market often exceeding Rs 1 crore due to import duties and demand.

In response, Tawde took to the microblogging platform X on February 26, 2026, to issue a clear denial. She described the viral post as “completely false and misleading,” emphasizing that the watch in question is from the Michael Kors brand, not a Rolex Daytona. “Therefore, the question of lakhs or crores does not even arise,” she stated.

Tawde further criticised the spread of such rumours, calling it “irresponsible” and a “deliberate attempt to malign.” She added that she would not dignify baseless accusations with further attention.

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The incident unfolded shortly after Tawde, a BJP corporator, was elected unopposed as mayor of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Her election marked a significant shift, as it was the first time in four decades that a BJP candidate assumed the role. The opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) chose not to field a contender, ending the Thackeray family’s 25-year dominance over what is India’s richest civic body.

The viral snapshot triggered considerable online trolling and debate, with critics questioning the optics of apparent luxury amid public office. Tawde’s swift clarification has aimed to put the matter to rest, attributing the claims to misinformation.