Akbar, who worked in both the newspapers as its editor-in-chief, told Khaleej Times, where he writes a column on the opinion page, “Much to my regret, I am no longer there. My name is off the print line of these newspapers that I made it to the top. I had already seen this coming owing to conflict of editorial viewpoints.”

Akbar says there had been disagreement over editorial matters with Deccan Chronicle Holdings Ltd. “I wanted an independent line, whereas the Deccan Chronicle management was insistent that I be supportive of the pro-establishment, government policies. “I haven’t quit; I have been forced out,” he said. Akbar rubbishes rumours of ‘serious differences’ between him and the Deccan Chronicle on the issues of stake holdings. According to reports, he is holding 10 per cent in the Asian Age Holdings Ltd., while the rest 90 per cent is being held by the Deccan Chronicle; a fact that he outrightly denies.

The buzz is that ever since Deccan Chronicle increased its holding to 90 per cent from a meek 23 per cent in May 2005, there were disagreements between the two. However, the media insiders say this could just be a hogwash. It is said Akbar’s dismissal has a lot to do with the Congress party.

Akbar is reportedly eyeing Rajya Sabha membership and opposition BJP wants Akbar nominated for one of the seats. It is speculated that none other than Congress President Sonia Gandhi wanted Akbar out of The Asian Age and Deccan Chronicle. And Akbar’s conflict with ‘pro-establishment’ Deccan Chronicle Holdings Ltd could have acted detrimental here.

Akbar had a brief stint as a member of parliament from Bihar’s Kishanganj constituency on the Congress party ticket in 1989. He founded the Asian Age in 1993, and published it initially from New Delhi, Bombay, Kolkata and London. He has previously edited publications such as Sunday and The Telegraph from Kolkata.

Discussing whether returning to politics was on his mind, Akbar said: “I am independent, and will remain independent. I, as a journalist, have many friends in the politics. Why should I not have political acquaintances and contacts?” he asked. “I am not going to be defeated so easily,” he added.

Cutting across ideological lines, many political parties including the Left have shown sympathy and support for Akbar.