Indore-3, a constituency dominated by Muslims and traders' community and regarded as Congress fortress for long is expected to witness a keen battle in the upcoming assembly elections. Pitted against factors like anti-incumbency, delimitation of constituency and a strong opponent (BJP functionary Usha Thakur), three-time Congress MLA Ashwin Joshi plans to thwart all odds for consecutive fourth term.
With Muslim dominated localities like South Toda, North Toda and Kaachhi Mohalla, Muslim voters play a key role in deciding the fate of candidates. Besides, prominent commercial hubs like Rajwada, Siyaganj, Ranipura, MTH Compound, etc are part of constituency and as a result, traders also have prominent say on electoral issues.
After Congress leaders Misrilal Gangwal and Mahesh Joshi served the constituency twice, it was BJP leader Gopikrishna Nema who snatched the seat away from Congress in 1990 and retained it in 1993. Afterwards, sitting MLA Ashwin Joshi held on to the Congress castle.
Prior to Narmada water in Indore, it was Joshi who had pressed private tankers to ensure uninterrupted water supply for ending water woes and earned the acronym Paani Wale Baba.
However, Joshi had secured victory in 2008 election over BJP's Gopi Nema by a slender margin of 402 votes.
Ashwin Joshi- MLA Indore 3
Q. Why Indore-3 voters should elect you once again?
Joshi-- My dedication for the public of this constituency and works speak for itself. I have worked for addressing potable water issues, widening of narrow roads, for drainage system etc through personal efforts, so public would support me again.
Q. How you utilised MLA's fund?
Joshi--I utilised budget of MLA fund for addressing potable water problem by using tankers and tube wells. Rods were constructed in my tenure and several cramped ones were widened and drainage system was improved in various areas.
Q. What were achievements in your tenure?
Joshi--Making efforts at personal level for sorting out infrastructure issues without taking much of help from the state government or local authorities like Indore Municipal Corporation or Indore Development Authority was my achievement.
Q. If elected again, what would be your priorities for your areas?
Joshi--I will continue efforts for improving basic infrastructure in the area by developing new roads, overbridges, drainage system and water supply network. Residential localities keep generating demand for new amenities so I would keep up my good work.
Q. How you see challenge from Congress party?
Joshi--I don't have enemies in my party or outside. I enjoy complete support of my party workers and the public.
