Sonia's resignation is fitting reply to BJP's campaign: Deshmukh

Mumbai, Mar 23 (UNI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today described the resignation of AICC president Sonia Gandhi from the Lok Sabha membership and chairperson of the National Advisory Council (NAC) as a ''fitting reply'' to the BJP's smear campaign against her.

Addressing the mediapersons in his chamber at Vidhan Bhawan, Mr Deshmukh, flanked by State Congress chief Prabha Rau and AICC General Secretary Margaret Alva said two years ago Ms Gandhi had declined to accept the PM's post and set high standards of morality and sacrifice.

''Today's development is another important step in that direction.

BJP had tried to show that an Ordinance is being planned to protect her in keeping the membership of the Lok Sabha, as well as the chairperson of the NAC. Her action has shown that BJP is too small for her stature. Mrs Gandhi has set a new standard of value-based politics,'' he said.

He said the Maharashtra and Mumbai units of the Congress feel proud of Ms Gandhi and are unitedly with her in her decisions.

Ms Alva said that Ms Gandhi's decision had not come as a surprise to her. ''More the Opposition targets her, she emerges stronger with each challenge. Ms Gandhi has set an example for all those seeking power and position,'' she added.

''BJP's effort to malign her by judging her on their own standards of power-mongering has backfired. She will be back in Parliament with high moral authority and support from Rai Bareli,'' she asserted.

Ms Rau said the AICC chief had once again proved that she holds moral values in public life higher than posts of power.

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