Related: Sonia resigns as MP, to fight election again

  

Indian Congress Party leader Sonia Gandhi addresses the media in New Delhi, India, Thursday, March 23, 2006. Sonia Gandhi, the head of governing coalition, steps down as a member of Parliament amid controversy over whether she also holds another job.(Xinhua/AFP)

  
 NEW DELHI, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Chairperson of United National Alliance Sonia Gandhi is to resign from the Lok Sabha (parliament)over the controversial ordinance on redefining office of profit.

    "For the past couple of days, a few politicians in India are trying to create a situation in which it is portrayed that certain rules are altered for my benefit. In this context, I am resigning as member of parliament," Sonia said Thursday.

    She also said "I or my family have never done anything for our benefit. We work only for people. Also I would contest again elections from Raibarelly " (in Uttar Pradesh).

    When asked about the ordinance issue, Sonia refused to comment on it.

    Earlier Thursday, the Communist Party of India (CPS-M) said the law can change but the decision should be left to the Parliament.

    CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said that the definition of an office of profit is in a grey area and needs to be sorted out as soon as possible.

    NDTV reported that nine Left members of parliament are on the list of people accused of holding such offices of profit.

    Even Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, who is a CPI(M) member, has been accused of holding office of profit.

    The decision on the ordinance was reportedly taken at a meeting held by the Prime Minister late Wednesday night with some of his cabinet colleagues.

    The ordinance is aimed at identifying 62 posts as offices of non-profit. The posts include that of Chairperson of the National Advisory Council, which is currently being held by Sonia Gandhi.

    The government's move to introduce the ordinance caused an uproar in the parliament Wednesday, leading to its indefinite adjournment.

    The Indian opposition Banata Party reportedly alleged that the move was a ploy to "bail out" Congress chief Sonia Gandhi from being disqualified as member of parliament.

    Opposition members of parliament met President APJ Abdul Kalam on Wednesday seeking Sonia Gandhi's disqualification as a member of parliament soon after member of parliament Jaya Bachchan was removed for holding a Uttar Pradesh government position.

    They said the complaint has now been forwarded by the President to the Election Commission.

    But Chief Election Commissioner B.B. Tandon said the EC has yet to receive any complaints against Sonia Gandhi. However, he added that the law is the same for all.

    Sonia, also the president of National Congress Party, is under attack by opposition Banata Party spokesman Prakash Javdekar for holding the office of profit.

    "This move just reflects the Congress' Emergency mentality. They have no regard for the authority of the constitution," said the spokesman.

    However, NDTV said that Sonia Gandhi is reported to be unconvinced of the ordinance herself.

    Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha LK Advani said that the President should not sign any such ordinance.

    He also said that there can not be two standards, one for Sonia Gandhi and one for Jaya Bachchan, who was disqualified as member of parliament recently for occupying an office of profit. Enditem