Wednesday, May 3 2006 16:24 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Rae Bareli (UP): Opening her campaign for re-election to Lok Sabha, Congress President Sonia Gandhi today attacked the opposition saying she resigned from the House and the National Advisory Council as an atmosphere was being created to show that she was occupying the Council Chairmanship for her personal benefit.

Asserting that she resigned to uphold high values in , she told a largely attended public meeting here that her resignation has given her one more occasion to fight for the people of the country.

Gandhi told the people that the NAC was constituted to see whether the Common Minimum Programme of the party-led coalition was properly implemented so as to benefit the poor and the common man.

Gandhi, who arrived here for a two-day campaign in her constituency for the first time after filing the nominations, emphasised that she would never be found wanting in observing dignity and decorum in public life.

Declaring her resolve to fight for the cause of women, Gandhi, who is also the UPA Chairperson, said that until women progressed the nation cannot move forward.

Striking a chord with her electorate, Gandhi said their support has been a great strength to her and her family as "We have links for the past five generations".

The bye-election is scheduled for May eight and the campaign is managed by her son and MP from Amethi, Rahul Gandhi, and the party is restraining outside leaders from coming here from electioneering.