Then the rumours started that Dharam Singh was a puppet chief minister, that he was in my pocket. The Congress should feel ashamed of such rumours. Meanwhile, Dharam Singh was trying to strengthen his base and prove he could form a government on his own.

•SHEKHAR GUPTA: Was that your problem with the Congress?

In 2004 nobody recognised JD (S) as a force in Karnataka. After the election results, everyone knew JD (S) was still a force. But neither BJP nor Congress want to accept this.

•COOMI KAPOOR: You have two public images, that of the wily old fox, and the other of a humble farmer. Which one is true?

You may add to those: an old leader or a stalwart who is a father figure to this Indian state. If I were a fox in public life, I would have survived a full term of five years as prime minister. However, I have not had a very good relationship with the media, which projects me in poor light. I am a blunt fellow, and maybe that’s the reason. I remember that, when I resigned from Mr Hegde’s government, he asked me why I wanted to resign. I told him there was no need to discuss past events. Then he said to me, “Mr Deve Gowda, you must know your weakness: you not only tell the truth, but the naked truth. That is going to harm your career. You must change your attitude.” I said I couldn’t and that stage was over. I say what I think is right or wrong. I can’t help it if it hurts people. But my image has been consistently tarnished — it is said I am anti-development, I am a hindrance to the progress of Karnataka. For six years, between 2002-2008, such a picture of me was painted by the media. But I am a fighter and am not afraid of these things.

... contd.