I never had much of a view on politics. I did not want to get into politics because it would mean giving up my privacy. For me it was a big sacrifice. But I did not have any fears about getting into it. I have been brought up in its midst. And I have been through all the ups and downs along with them despite not being involved directly.

• But did you envisage a bigger role in politics, like perhaps, today?

If you are asking me about DMK politics or this kind of politics, no. Of course, I have always wanted to get involved with social issues.

• You are the first woman in the Karunanidhi household to get into politics.

I don’t think being a woman is any different.

• Now with the change of role (from being a poet to a politician) are you apprehensive?

No. Once I have decided to come in, I am there, and I will do my best.

• Is there a move to get you inducted into the Union Council of Ministers?

The party leader (her father) has very clearly said no. I am happy about his decision.

• But does this not mean that the party leader is foreclosing the issue before you have even proved yourself?

No. If I prove myself as a good parliamentarian and the party really thinks so, I should be rewarded then.

• This idea to come into politics had been tossed around you several times. But you continued to keep away. What made you change your mind?

When people around me kept talking about it constantly, I started thinking about it a little more seriously. A lot of people, for whom I have respect, convinced me that I have to be here (politics).

• How much did the Dayanidhi Maran episode influence your decision?

I don’t think it influenced my decision at all. There are so many people with experience, expertise (in politics), confidence and strength. There was no need for me to step in there (the space left by Maran).

• But didn’t Maran’s exit facilitate your entry?

What if he was there? If I wanted to and if the party was ready for it, I would have come in anyway. It was not as if a space was created (with his exit) and I stepped in there.

• You are very close to your father, in fact, his favourite daughter. Did you feel that the Dayanidhi Maran episode hurt your father and perhaps even let him down? And, your entry, is it an emotional back-up?

No, no. It is true that he (Karunanidhi) was very hurt. But he did not need something like this (my entry into politics) to let him know that I am there to support him. There are so many other ways to show it. And no problem is a major issue for him. He takes problems in his stride.

• But what are your views on the episode?

It shouldn’t have happened. It is very sad.

• What lessons has the party learnt from this?

Some senior people had been saying that there were many power centres in the DMK. The episode proved that there is only one power centre and that is at Anna Arivalayam. If you go against the party, this is what happens. And, Maran’s exit makes no difference. There are no vacuums created in the DMK. The party will go on.

• Has you father got over the trauma?

Of course, some residue is still there. But there are so many people who have been as close as family to him and it has happened before too. But he got over it eventually.

• There has been some talk of rapprochement with the Marans.

That is something the party will decide.

• Did the episode bring the siblings closer?

We have always been close to each other.

• There is a lot of pressure on you now. You are being projected as the DMK’s new ambassador in Delhi.

There is no such pressure. Some people are trying to project me that way. But that’s not true. There are enough capable people in the party to handle that role.

• What do you think of Jayalalithaa’s allegations of corruption against your family ?

I don’t take the corruption charges seriously, coming as they do from Jayalalithaa. As for family involvement in state politics, the family of every party member is part of the DMK politics. It just cannot be helped.

• It is widely believed that your brother Stalin will take over the party reins after your father?

My father is quite healthy. So why bring up that question now?

• But, wouldn’t Stalin be eventually taking over the party?

The DMK is a democratic party. And the question of who will lead it will be decided by the party. Of course, Stalin has been accepted by party cadres and leaders. He is doing very well and has proved himself in many ways.

• Do you think it is time the party and the family gave Mr Karunanidhi some rest so that he could devote more time to writing and reading.

Despite being the Chief Minister and the President of the DMK, he still finds time for everything. Why should we make decisions for him? If he enjoys doing all these things, why shouldn’t he continue doing them?

• How do you see Jayalalithaa as a politician?

I think she is a strong-willed woman.

• How do you feel about taking on Jayalalithaa as a politician? Wouldn’t it be a good strategy to pit one woman politician against another?

I hope I can play a small part in moving the Tamil people away from making ‘emotional’ decisions. I don’t want to encourage it in anyway. That would be the success of my politics. I will take on Jayalalithaa on issues, and not because I am a woman.

• What will be the programme structure of the new Kalaignar TV?

I hope it will move away from the usual soaps and the ‘unthinking’ entertainment. It depends on who is running it.

• So, Delhi will figure in your poetry now?

Our experiences get reflected in our poetry. So, yes, Delhi is bound to figure in my poetry.