Kapil Mishra, who has replaced Jitender Singh Tomar as the Delhi law Minister, took oath of office on Monday at Raj Niwas. He also took the charge of Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Art and Culture. The move comes in the wake of Tomar’s resignation following his arrest in the fake degree case. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, along with other AAP leaders, also attended his oath-taking ceremony at Raj Niwas.
In an interview with The Pioneer, the 34-year-old AAP MlA from Karawal Nagar and former vice chairman of Delhi Jal Board (DJB) spoke about his priorities which, he says, will be providing people with legal aid and enhancing the tourism in the national Capital.
What are your priorities as a law Minister, especially when both former law Ministers are trapped in controversiesIJ
My main concern is to provide legal aid to the people. As promised in the AAP’s manifesto, fast-track courts will be set up for better functioning in the legal domain. I have a squeaky-clean image and that is exactly what people expect from their lawmakers. It is a huge responsibility and I will work with full determination. let me handle the charge and more priorities are likely to come up.
How do you feel about being in-charge of law, tourism, art and culture in the CapitalIJ
It really feels good when you are given big responsibility and it has its challenges too. This is the way one can show his/her capability. My aim is to work for the enhancement of Delhi tourism and revamp rich art and culture heritage of the Capital.
Amid the ongoing tensions in AAP, don’t you think it will be challenge to manage thingsIJ
People learn only through challenges. Good governance can only be done if someone has a clean image. There should be mutual understanding with the team that you are working with, and that is how things become easy when you are working in the Government for the betterment of the people.
What do you have to say about both your predecessorsIJ
See, it’s their personal and political matter. I don’t want to speak on that. I was busy handling Delhi Jal Board during that time and now I would be taking care of the new duty, which is assigned to me.
Will it be easy for you to work amid the existing row between the l-G and Delhi GovernmentIJ
I think there should be a balance between the two. In fact, l-G also wants Delhi’s problem to be sorted out. My aim is to work in tandem with l-G and the Centre, and to avoid any crisis situation in the Capital.
How did your family reactIJ
My family’s reaction is same as earlier. There is no grand party or fiesta at my place. It’s just that my family is appreciating the way I am working truthfully and honestly for the development and betterment of the people. It is one more duty which I have to perform.