Sonia resigns as Lok Sabha MP

Congress (INC) President & UPA Chairman Sonia Gandhi has resigned as Member of Parliament (MP). In 2004 General Election to Lok Sabha, she contested from Rae Bareli (Uttar Pradesh), opposing Ashok Kumar of Samajwadi Party, and captured the seat with 2.5 Lac vote difference.

"With several people trying to portray the ordinance as a move to protect me, I have decided to step down as the Member of Parliament and I hope my constituency understands and respects my move," said Sonia Gandhi, while addressing a press conference.

But, she made it clear that she would again contest from Rae Bareli.

Her full speech to the Press People :

For the last two days, some people have been trying to create an atmosphere as if the government and parliament
are being used to favour me. This has hurt me very much.

I have stated it earlier also that I am in politics and public life not for my selfish ends.I have taken a pledge to serve
the people of the country and to protect the secular ideals. So, in keeping with my public life and political principles and
according to my own belief, I resign as member of Lok Sabha and chairperson of National Advisory Council.

I have full faith that brothers and sisters of Rae Bareli and the whole nation will understand this feeling of mine.

I have been dragged into a needless controversy.

I hope people in Rae Bareli will understand me.