‘Everyone is ambitious, so am I’: 4-time MLA Madhuri Misal on the possibility of becoming a minister

In an interview with The Indian Express, Misal said, "It is the party's decision. I will carry out responsibilities entrusted to me."

"It is the trust voters showed in me and I am thankful," Misal said. (Photo: X)

The only woman BJP candidate for Assembly elections in the city, Madhuri Misal, managed to bag a party ticket from Parvati constituency despite many claimants for it, and win the seat with a big margin by defeating Ashwini Kadam of NCP (SP) on Saturday. The now four-time MLA, also the only woman who won elections in Pune district, speaks to Ajay Jadhav about her performance and the course ahead.

It was your fourth consecutive win in Assembly polls. How do you feel?

It is the trust voters showed in me and I am thankful. I have worked for them for so many years, first as corporator, then as legislator for three terms. That they elected me with a big margin means I have delivered as per their expectations.

Your plans for Parvati constituency over next 5 years?

Already major infrastructure projects are underway in my constituency. I want them completed as early as possible, and this includes the underground metro from Swargate to Katraj, flyover at Gangadham, and water supply project. The channelisation of streams with retaining walls has to be completed to avoid flooding in adjoining areas during monsoon.

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What new projects do you have in mind?

My priority is the proposed metro route from Khadakwasla to Kharadi passes from Parvati constituency. I also want to build a government hospital in the constituency. The canal land will be available for public use after the tunnel for water from Khadakwasla is built, and on that lans, I want to create gardens and parks.

Being a woman legislator, do you have any plans for women?

I have been elected both by men and women so I will work for all. I was in the team to frame laws for the Vishakha committee for women. I am working to provide public toilets of better quality for women in the city, and to ensure their proper maintenance. It is a dire need.

Being a senior legislator of the political party in power, are you looking at becoming a minister too?
Everyone is ambitious, so am I. However, it is the party’s decision. I will carry out responsibilities entrusted to me. I am the only woman legislator who has won four times in a row in the state assembly. It’s significant.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, Pune. He writes on Infrastructure, Politics, Civic issues, Sustainable Development and related stuff. He is a trekker and a sports enthusiast. Ajay has written research articles on the Conservancy staff that created a nationwide impact in framing policy to improve the condition of workers handling waste. Ajay has been consistently writing on politics and infrastructure. He brought to light the lack of basic infrastructure of school and hospital in the hometown of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde even as two private helipads were developed by the leader who mostly commutes from Mumbai to Satara in helicopter. Ajay has been reporting on sustainable development initiatives that protects the environment while ensuring infrastructure development. ... Read More

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