Sonia Gandhi, Narasimha Rao had strained relations, says Congress minister

A junior minister in Rao's cabinet with whom he developed differences later, Singh suggested he meet Sonia Gandhi.

"How often do I see her? It is a question of my self-respect. Her attitude is affecting my health. How many times do I have to be insulted?" the former PM said, according to Singh.

Singh told Rao that he had never discussed him with Gandhi but he got the impression that she felt the question of the trial of her husband's assassination was not proceeding fast enough.

He recalled that Rao told him of all the steps taken by the government including making P Chidambaram in-charge of the assassination probe. "If she thinks my leaving will improve the matter, I am willing to go," he said.