Though the newly posted union minister of state for home affairs of India has devoted his life to political and social affairs, he still feels the heavy obligation his new position demands.
“In India, politics is not a profession; it is a way of life. You have to serve the people until you die and make sacrifices with your family time”
The 42-year-old Kiren Rijiju appeared on the 51st floor of the Centara Grand CentralWorld in a buttoned-up turtleneck that paired well with his grey trousers.
“To be a minister in India is a huge responsibility because of the size of the population. Right now there are 44 ministers to look after the departments, so the challenge and expectation is great. I can feel the pressure,” he told Asia Focus, adding he is concerned about how he will successfully discharge his responsibilities.
“I’m confident, but I’m not relaxed. I can’t afford to relax because the issues the ministry deals with are so great.”
Originally from a strategically sensitive state, Arunachal Pradesh in the extreme northeast near Bhutan, he acknowledged his region was a little backward compared to western India. “The region was not politically focused at that time,” he said. “Our people kept telling me ‘we are not part of the mainstream politics in India.’”
“I choose to be in national politics because we need to bring the northeast into the mainstream of Indian politics.”
The fluent English and Hindi speaker was the first person from the eight northeastern states to be appointed state minister of Home Affairs.
As a young boy, Mr Rijiju watched his father actively work in the Legislative Assembly before taking on his legacy, but the minister’s idea of politics is very different from what his father used to do.
“My father took a very regional approach, focusing on communities, traditional practices, and local arts and culture. I’m more interested in global issues such as national security and international affairs,” he said, adding he had travelled to over 100 countries before becoming a minister.
Holding a bachelor’s degree in law, Mr Rijiju initially thought he would become a lawyer involved in political activism, rather than contesting elections. In 1998, he formally declared for his first election.
“I was very young then, only 26,” he said with a smile. “India is a large country with so many grass-roots problems. The only way you can deal with them directly is to be in politics.”
“Politics requires you to deal with everything society faces, so I have dealt with multiple problems our people in the northeast face.”
Mr Rijiju still feels politics can fulfil the aspirations of the people from his region, helping to integrate them with the subcontinent. “If you are a successful politician, it is the best opportunity to serve you can find.”
He continued discussing one of his major concerns: “It is the ability to successfully balance my official position as a minister and remain a fashionable political leader.”
“You have to strike a balance by being efficient in discharging your official duty and meeting political workers regularly so that you don’t lose your roots.”
Mr Rijiju feels he accomplishes this balance by splitting his time equally between the two tasks.
“I plan to visit Arunachal Pradesh at least once in a month to see my local constituency, where I won by a big margin,” he said. “I meet and deal with the whole northeastern state because they have come to expect a lot out of me.
“Ministers who are very good at their job but neglect the politics lose the next election.”
Mr Rijiju was excited about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech on his first day in office, noting eastern and northeastern India are focal points for government expenditures and these areas have needed improvements for a while.
“This will not be a case of wait and delay. We are going to improve the region quickly,” he said confidently.
The Ministry of Home Affairs concentrates on national security, internal security and international borders as well as police forces and armed forces.
Mr Rijiju aims to improve the quality of life of the people in the border areas while modernising the police and central armed forces.
He also wants to encourage tourism in India by making it more convenient. “Visa issuance should be faster, as most countries such as Thailand issue visas on arrival. That’s why so many Indians come to Thailand.”
Disaster management and risk reduction is another priority as India regularly faces natural disasters.
He pointed to last year when Cyclone Phailin hit Orrisa state. “Our response was quick and substantial enough to save millions of people’s lives,” said Mr Rijiju.
“We created the National Disaster Response Force,” he said. “There are over 10,000 officers drawn from various police forces ready to respond with equipment to any type of disaster.”
Mr Rijiju is also concerned with those people least able to help themselves. “We need to do much more by addressing the issues facing the most vulnerable segments of society: women and children.”
“We need to be more sensitive to them. Unless we take care of them, our policies will not be successful. We have committed to the international agenda on women’s and children’s issues, and we must follow through.”
INDIA—THE BIGGER FAMILY
“In India, politics is not a profession; it is a way of life. Once you are in politics, it means you are dedicated, devoting yourself to the people,” he said, admitting it is rare for an Indian minister to spend much time with their family.
His wife, Joram Rina Rijiju, is an assistant professor at college. “She takes care of herself and the children, but we are in touch most of the time and I’m planning to shift them to Delhi so they can stay with me.”
He has three children: an eight-year-old, a five-year-old and a one-year-old baby girl.
He said in India, politicians never retire. “Once you take an interest in people’s problems, their lives, you cannot say ‘I’m done, I’m off, and I will retire’ because people will not forgive you.”
“You have to serve the people until you die and make sacrifices with your family time,” he said.
Indian ministries have thousands of direct visitors and there are inevitably so many issues, planning leisure time is impossible.”
“Politics is my passion and my hobby,” he laughed.
When asked to imagine his perfect day off, he said, “I would love to spend time with my family and watch some good classic films.”
“My son has a deep fascination with the Thai martial-arts actioner Ong-Bak starring Tony Jaa.”
Mr Rijiju added as India and many Southeast Asian countries share a similar cultural heritage and traditions, he plans to establish deeper ties with Thailand.
“We have every reason to cooperate further culturally and economically as it is an excellent opportunity for both countries to prosper,” he said.