I never thought I’d join politics so early. I did see it as a future plan but so much has happened in the past two years and this came up.
What are the areas you want to focus on in your rural development portfolio?
I want to incorporate environmental aspects and focus on vigilance in the work being done in rural areas. This is the portfolio I wanted and feel it can be monitored better. This department has a lot of corruption. I want to change this.
The edge you can bring to your ministry...
I have energy, the benefit of being young, the ability to travel and to make innovations.
What have the first few days been like?
It’s been overwhelming but so busy that I haven’t had time to think about it.
What kind of music do you like listening to?
I don’t know if I should be saying this as a parliamentarian, but I love Amy Winehouse, Maroon 5, Norah Jones and John Denver.
What are you reading these days?
I like Orwell, Hemingway and other classics. Now I’ve widened my interests to development-based books and biographies.
Will you be consulting your father, since he has had so much experience?
I will consult my father and other senior leaders. But I’d also like to incorporate my ideas.
What are your views on dynasty politics?
The pressures of this job are huge. You cannot survive here on a name.
Will the Northeast find prominent focus in your work?
I want to try and integrate the NE with the rest of the country. There’s a disconnect at a political and social level, which is why I gave my speech in Hindi and wore my traditional outfit.
You’ve spoken about the harassment of girls from the Northeast in Delhi.
I faced harassment as a student here. Very often there are comments like ‘Nepali’ or ‘Chinese’ and I think it’s very unfortunate.
