Bijli Paani Sadak are biggest issues for Aheri MLA

Raje Ambrishrao Maharaj, contesting on BJP ticket, has regained the Aheri seat by a handsome margin from his uncle and former minister Dharmaraobaba Atram in the recently concluded elections. The young scion of erstwhile Aheri estate in Gadchiroli now wants to cement his place in politics as a first time MLA.
Q. What is your immediate aim as a newly elected MLA?
A.Bringing about all-round development of my constituency which is plagued by several infrastructural issues. My immediate aim would be to ensure making potable water available in villages. There is also a major issue of electrification of villages in Aheri. There are many villages where electricity is yet to reach. I will try to ensure that all remote villages are connected to the grid. We have many rivers and streams but irrigation facilities are absent. So, water does not reach the farms. I intend to get the water to the farms from whatever sources they are available.
Q. What are the key issues of your constituency and how do you intend to address them?
A. Unemployment is the most important issue in my constituency. People from Aheri migrate to Andhra Pradesh for work. We need to have employment generation works especially targeting the youngsters. If unemployment is addressed, then more issues like poverty would be taken care of too. We also need to build all weather roads and bridges. As of today, villages get disconnected with the rest of the district during rains. It should not happen. We also need to bring in lift-irrigation.
Q. What are the core issues you would be addressing?
A. Bijli (electricity) Paani (water) Sadak (road). I would start with these issues and then take up other aspects of developments as they come to fore and as required.
Q. Why do you feel the electorate voted for you?
A. The earlier MLA (Deepak Atram) did not focus on work he was expected to do. Developmental works have remained pending. The remote areas are still neglected. On top of that, there was no public relations. The voters expressed their wrath in the election and ensured that the change they wanted reflects in the result that paved my way of getting elected. I felt elated after being blessed by the voters.
Q. What do you have to say about Naxal movement?
A. Naxalism is a serious issue. Common people are getting sandwiched between the rebels and police forces. The residents have to face problems from both Naxals and police at the same place and also have to cater to two sides equally. There is no alternative but to bring about development.
Q. What are your plans regarding OBC disenchantment in your district?
A. Our respected leader Nitin Gadkari has already announced necessary modifications in the Panchayati Raj (extended to scheduled areas) Act so that the present disappointment of OBC community is addressed and also the interest of the tribal population is not compromised.