Set to take oath as minister today, Madhuri Misal said 3 weeks ago: ‘Everyone has ambition to grow, so do I’

Misal, who turned 60 this year, is a BCom graduate. Before being elected as an MLA, she was a corporator from Kasba Peth in Pune. She has been associated with the BJP for the past 18 years. In the 2024 Assembly elections, she beat Ashwini Kadam of the NCP(SP) by over 50,000 votes.

Excerpts from an interview Misal gave The Indian Express three weeks ago:

Q: It was your fourth consecutive win in Assembly elections. How do you feel about that?

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

Q: What are your plans for the Parvati constituency in the next five years?

Madhuri Misal: Already big infrastructure projects are going on in the constituency I represent. I want to get them completed as early as possible and they include the underground metro route from Swargate to Katraj, the flyover at Gangadham, and the uninterrupted water supply project. The channelisation of streams with retaining walls has to be completed to avoid flooding in adjoining areas during monsoon.

Q: You are the only woman legislator to represent the constituency in the Assembly. Do you have any plans to address women’s issues?

Madhuri Misal: 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 Vishaka committee for women. I am working to provide better public toilets for women in the city. It is very much needed. I also want to ensure they are properly maintained.

Q: Being a senior legislator of the political party in power, are you looking at becoming a minister too?

Madhuri Misal: Everyone has the ambition to grow, so do I. However, it is the party’s decision. I will carry out all my responsibilities that are entrusted to me. I am the only woman legislator who has won four times consecutively in the Assembly. It’s very significant.