I am a humble farmer. Now Behenji, ruling a bigger state which has a population of 20-22 crores, comes to my house — it is her gesture. I can only say that much. When I became the prime minister, she was not part of our alliance. In those 13 parties, Behenji was not there. And this time when the Left withdrew its support and wanted to form an alternative to the UPA and the NDA, they took her support. I wasn’t aware that she was coming to my house. Intelligence officers who are staying there told me that Behenji is coming. So, it was a surprise to me. When she came here, more than 50-60 journalists were also there and they posed several questions to her: why have you come here? You’ve got only one or two MPs.

•And she said that she’s come here because you come from a small village.

Yes.

•Also because you are experienced. You have a very special talent. You may have lasted 10 months, but you headed a coalition which had 160-170 MPs, with the Congress supporting it from outside. That takes some talent.

It may have been only a 10-month rule, but all decisions were taken collectively. There were no voices of dissent among the 13 parties and the Congress. I do not know what made them withdraw their support.  

•Having learnt that lesson, aren’t you the most qualified person in the Third Front for the PM’s job?

... contd.