Former Congress MLA Ashwini Joshi, a prominent figure in Indore’s political scene and a three-time legislator from Assembly constituency No. 3, died on Friday morning after a heart attack at the age of 66. Joshi, who had been dealing with respiratory issues and a leg ailment, suffered the heart attack around 8:00 A.M. at his home and was pronounced dead at Shelby Hospital.
Joshi’s passing has led to an outpouring of sorrow from various political parties and the community in Indore. Known for his direct approach and strong grassroots connections, he was a recognizable face of the Congress in the Malwa region for more than thirty years.
Having served three terms as an MLA from Indore-3, Joshi focused on accessibility and constituency development throughout his career. He was instrumental in bolstering the Congress’s presence in urban Indore amidst the BJP’s dominance in the city’s political landscape.
Born into a politically influential family, Joshi, the nephew of former minister Mahesh Joshi, played a significant role in shaping Indore’s political narrative. Starting his journey in student politics, he earned a reputation for being a skilled organizer and a loyal supporter of former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh.
Joshi’s career was not without controversy. He was implicated in the 2006 shooting of former Congress councilor Munna Ansari and was acquitted in 2024 after an 18-year trial due to lack of evidence and failure to recover the weapon.
Indore-based Congress leader K.K. Mishra confirmed that Joshi’s mortal remains are placed at his residence for public homage. Tributes have poured in from various political figures, with Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari describing Joshi’s death as “heart-wrenching” and highlighting his unmatched organizational skills. Former Chief Minister Kamal Nath also praised Joshi’s contributions during challenging times for the party.
Leaders from the BJP, including senior legislators from Indore, expressed their condolences, remembering Joshi as a worthy adversary who maintained personal relationships despite political differences. Joshi is survived by his wife, son, and extended family.
