Dipika Damerla, a former Ontario MPP and Minister of Health, was elected to Mississauga City Council in 2018 and has served as Ward 7 representative for eight years. Her tenure has seen the addition of 350 new hospital beds, two long‑term care homes, and a 40% increase in Milton GO services, positioning her as a seasoned local policymaker.
On October 9, 2026, Damerla posted a clip on X that reworked the Hindi ballad "Kya Hua Tera Wada" into a campaign jingle. In the tweet she wrote, "After that spicy mayoral debate, here’s a little palate cleanser. 😂🎶 Bollywood, but make it municipal! Translation: “Here’s my promise, my swear, my wish. Property taxes won’t increase the day I become Mayor of Mississauga.” The video ends with the slogan "A city that works," urging voters to back her.
The use of Bollywood music is not a first for Mississauga; New York City candidate Zohran Mamdani employed a similar strategy last year, leveraging cinematic visuals to connect with diverse electorates. Damerla’s approach taps into the large South Asian community in the city, which has traditionally been underrepresented in municipal politics.
Property tax reform is the top issue on Mississauga ballots, with residents citing rising rates as a barrier to home ownership and small‑business growth. By pledging no tax increase, Damerla aims to galvanize both her core supporters and undecided voters wary of fiscal pressure.
The municipal election is scheduled for November 4, 2026. Damerla’s main opponent is incumbent Mayor Ross Romano, who has campaigned on maintaining current tax levels while expanding public services. The campaign will conclude with a debate later this month, followed by a citywide vote that could reshape Mississauga’s fiscal and political landscape.