When I received that much-talked about phone call on Friday, 12 May, around lunch time, I initially told the person on the Republic TV assignment desk that since the Congress does not speak to the Republic, I would rather be excused. However, their assignment desk misled me by stating that other Congress leaders were also speaking to them. I, therefore, accepted the call.

What transpired over the next six-odd minutes is something that most people have now watched – usually in horror – as I was called a variety of names by Arnab: from novice to worm, from lapdog to lunatic, all the while being told to shut up repeatedly.

My initial shock would have been apparent even to those watching. It was not just the viciousness of the attack being unleashed upon me, but also the person it was coming from, that astounded me.

Also Read: Arnab’s Sunanda Death ‘Story’: Rich on Sensation, Poor on Evidence