She is the scion of a well-known family in the state’s political fraternity and the daughter-in-law of another. But Geetashree Oraon is unfazed by the baggage of expectations that carrying on this legacy brings.

Recently, appointed  to the Congress party's central working committee as a Secretary in charge of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, the MlA from Sisai in Gumla district is raring to go, and confident of being able to balance her responsibilities. Excerpts from an exclusive tete a tete.

Your thoughts on the central appointmentIJ

I am honoured by the appointment, particularly as it is the first time after state formation that a party member from here has been asked to work on the national platform. But considering that there are so many seniors around, I think I have got it early. Rahulji was aware of my work in the other states as well since 2010, especially in West Bengal where I pulled off the Malda and Alipur duar seats. So that has worked in my favour.

How will you balance your engagements in Jharkhand, especially your constituency, along with the responsibilities of the state under your chargeIJ

I will chart out a routine and devote 15 days to my constituency and 15 days to the state under my charge. I have contacts in all three states Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, so that will help as well. Then there are also my Youth Congress contacts. Plus, Asha Kumariji, the co-incharge of Jharkhand also belongs to HP, so we can always discuss things with each other.

 What will be your prime focus vis a vis the state under your chargeIJ

First I will work to consolidate the party organisation in the respective states and then work towards expanding its base among the people by making them aware of the UPA-I and UPA-II's achievements and the work done during last ten years. At the same time I will also assess the local issues and characteristics and then decide on the course of action.

 Now that a party leader from Jharkhand has been given a central role, how will it impact the Congress Party in the stateIJ

The party workers here are elated and I have received many congratulatory phone calls. The happiness is more so because they view my appointment as a direct connection with the central leadership and a chance to make their voice heard at the top.

How will this infusion of new blood impact the Congress’ all-India profile and performanceIJ

The mix of seasoned leaders and youth gives good, well-rounded thrust to the party's work. The seniors give the benefit of experience, while the young leaders can channelize their energy and expand the groundwork tremendously. In fact, this is the idea that drives Rahulji and he promotes the idea that youth should get a chance If the party has to show further positive results.

 You are known as "Rahul Gandhi's choice". Does that pressurize you in any wayIJ

It is not a pressure at all, but a great honour. In fact, I was quite surprised and elated to know that Soniaji also keeps tabs on me and my work. That only doubles my responsibility to the party and the people. luckily I have been attached with Ambika Soniji, who is an experienced stalwart. I am looking forward to learning a lot from her experience and benefiting the oragnisation as well.

What will be the level of your interaction with the new Jharkhand in-charge P.K. HariprasadIJ

Of course we will be discussing state politics and exchanging inputs regarding the ground issues. I also have comfortable equation with the co-incharge Asha Kumariji. So that will be a great help in terms of exchange of ideas and inputs as she will handle my state and I hers! But mainly the Pradesh chief Sukhdeo Bhagatji will interact with them.

You are carrying on the very illustrious legacy of public service of your father, mother and father-in-law. Does this affect your work in any way-- either in terms of public expectations or your own valuesIJ

So far, as per the feedback I have got from my constituency, the people are not disappointed with me and my work there. I have always given my best to the people of my constituency, and I hope to continue in the same vein. The legacy is there, but I am doing my best, whether it is for the people of my state or at the centre.

What is the party's stand on government formation in the stateIJ

The PCC chief Mr. Bhagat will be the best person to answer this.

Should the people of Jharkhand hope for the state's first woman CM in futureIJ

Definitely. As a woman first, and then as a person concerned about the affairs of my state, I am not very happy with the conditions of the people of Jharkhand. If I am given this responsibility, I will be very happy, honoured and blessed at this chance to work for my people.