• 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.

... contd.