'Didi, chopper nikal jaayega': Nagaland minister's witty response to fan during public interaction
A video shared on his official Instagram account shows him walking alongside his security officials. In the middle of the interaction, a woman is seen interrupting the minister for a photograph.
Nagaland’s Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, known for his quirky sense of humour, has once again caught people’s attention. This time, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader came into the spotlight while meeting his supporters.
A video shared on his official Instagram account shows him walking alongside his security officials. In the middle of the interaction, a woman is seen interrupting the minister for a photograph. In response, he smiled and said, “Didi, mera chopper nikal jayega, next time,” implying that he could not pause as his helicopter was due to depart.
His remark, delivered in a light-hearted and humorous tone, immediately drew laughter from those nearby and eased the moment, rather than creating any awkwardness.
Here's how social media users reacted:
A user wrote, “Sir, aap bahut ache ho.”
Another commented, “I am your big fan, sir.”
Another said, “Love you, sir.”
One more user added, “Look how everyone is truly happy around him... that’s a real leader.”
Temjen Imna Along: Political Career, Education and His Humorous Public Persona
Temjen Imna Along serves as the Tourism and Higher Education Minister of Nagaland. He also held the position of state BJP president in 2020, further strengthening his presence in the state’s political landscape.
He was elected to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly in 2018 from the Alongtaki (Mokokchung) constituency. Before entering politics, he completed his pre-university education (Class 12) in Commerce from the City College of Arts and Commerce, Dimapur, in 1999.
Known for his humour and self-deprecating style
Along is widely recognised for his light-hearted personality and his ability to laugh at himself, which has also made him popular on social media.
In one of his known remarks about stereotypes surrounding the Naga community, he joked in Hindi: “Koi log yeh faila diya ki Naga log aadmi khata hai… aur humko dekh ke toh aur zyada shak hone laga,” referring humorously to misconceptions about Nagas.
Memories of his first visit to Delhi
Recalling his first trip to New Delhi in 1999, he once said he was astonished by the crowd at Old Delhi Railway Station. He noted that the number of people there was greater than the entire population of Nagaland, leaving him completely surprised.
“Purani Dilli railway station jab utra, toh humare Nagaland pradesh se bhi zyada aabadi dekhi… hum toh wahi chokh gaya,” he had said, according to The Indian Express.
Frequent references to curiosity about Nagaland
He has also shared that during his interactions outside the state, people often asked him about Nagaland’s location and even whether a visa was required to visit, reflecting common misconceptions about the region.
About the Author
Kanishka Singharia is a Senior Content Producer at Mint with a passion for news, trends, and the stories shaping the digital world. She specialises in spotting viral narratives by constantly tracking social media platforms and turning them into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Her work ranges from fast-paced breaking updates to sensitive human-interest features, blending speed with clarity. <br><br> With over four years of experience in news and trend reporting, Kanishka has worked with leading organisations such as Hindustan Times and Times Now. She moves seamlessly between profiling business leaders and telling the stories of everyday people, covering national developments just as effortlessly as the memes and conversations that dominate online culture. <br><br> She also reports on real estate developments and civic challenges in major urban hubs like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Gurugram. Her coverage frequently explores the struggles of startup founders, inspiring journeys of CEOs, and the experiences of candidates dealing with the complexities of visa processes. <br><br> Kanishka holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism from Delhi University and a diploma from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. Rarely offline, she spends much of her time scrolling through X, LinkedIn, Reddit, Instagram, and Facebook in search of the next big story. When she finally logs off, she enjoys binge-watching shows and exploring cafes in pursuit of good food and better conversations.
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