Sonia Gandhi's dramatic resignation as MP and as National Advisory Council chairperson on Thursday elicited praise from former Kerala chief minister AK Antony who said his respect for her had increased.
"For me this is not surprising because when everyone asked her to become prime minister she refused. She has shown again that she is not interested in position or power," said Antony, a senior Rajya Sabha member.
Gandhi resigned following a row over her holding an 'office of profit' in violation of parliamentary norms.
Antony said that her action should be viewed as upholding of morals in public life.
State Congress president Ramesh Chennithala said Gandhi was a role model for people in public life.
"It is worth emulating," added Chennithala.
Gandhi made the announcement at her 10 Janpath residence in New Delhi amid speculation that the Congress-led government was planning to enact an ordinance to save MPs facing the charge of holding an 'office of profit' while being members of parliament.
Gandhi is an MP from the Uttar Pradesh constituency of Rae Bareli.
{{/usCountry}}Gandhi is an MP from the Uttar Pradesh constituency of Rae Bareli.
{{/usCountry}}The National Advisory Council's primary aim is to advise the government on the country's development agenda.