In Shahjahanpur, there was not much of a political fight. It was my family constituency and I knew all the voters and their problems and needs.

I work in a hostile atmosphere, and my voters are the only strength I have.

Even to build a vote bank, you need to tackle the problems people face. Rural jobs that stop migration to cities, road networks for better connectivity, and a sense of security get people to vote for you.

Time and again we see leaders and members of religions incite aggression, fanaticism, hate, and xenophobia - even inspire and legitimate violent and bloody conflicts.

I think we need to raise our voices, and we need to demonstrate to the people we represent, as well as the American people, that their leaders have a responsibility to take action.

The days of the heavyweight champion as civil rights leader are long gone. You think you'd see Ali rolling around on the floor of an ESPN Zone? I don't think so.

I think trust is primarily built through relationships, and it's important because it's the foundational currency that a leader has with his team or his followers.