So you aren’t exactly a fan or a votary of identity politics, the kind that Mayawati champions, for instance?

I am a votary of nationalist politics, where those who are deprived, marginalised and socially discriminated against should be helped and their concerns should be addressed. We can’t really call our country a great country till atrocities and discriminations are got rid of.

Any enduring memories of your father, Babuji?

Through the journey of life, hardships and struggles, people tend to become hard, and lose the softness you had as a child. But my father retained it till the very end. He was very soft inside and could relate so well with the pain and agony of others. This, I thought, was an exceptional quality, and I would like to have it till the end.