The following is the text of Congress president Sonia Gandhi's statement on Thursday announcing her resignation from the Lok Sabha and as chairperson of the National Advisory Council:
"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."