Asked if his remarks after the deal ran into difficulties were reflective of a deeper problem he had with power politics and whether he was simply doing his job by holding on to the PM’s post, Singh said: “I can only quote the Gita. In life, one must do one’s duty. I have done my duty regardless of the consequences. Now it’s for the people to judge.”

Very critical of the BJP — “of all parties, is least qualified to talk about resignations” — Singh described the Gujarat riots as a “holocaust”.

“Look at the holocaust that took place in Gujarat. It took place when Mr Advani was the Home Minister. He gave certificates to the Gujarat government. And we all saw the massacre that took place under the BJP. So they did not think of their moral right to govern on that occasion. What about the fiasco with regard to the Agra Summit, the collapse of the Agra Summit? And we all know why the war in Kargil took place. The infiltrators were coming into our country and the government in New Delhi was sleeping. So I think the BJP is the least qualified to talk about our moral right to govern.” He denied that his government was on election mode simply because there had been a spate of announcement of populist schemes in recent weeks. According to Singh, many more schemes would be unveiled next year.

On Myanmar and the perception that India had gone along with the military regime and given up its policy of backing democracy forces led by Aung San Suu Kyi, Singh said: “Our position on the basic issues of political reforms is never in doubt. When General Than Shwe visited India two years ago, I had a very good discussion with him and we impressed upon the Myanmar leadership the need for political reconciliation, to unite all political elements and he did not deny it. Violence and suppression of human rights is something that hurts us.”

... contd.