The lifestyle of many of our colleagues has been very pompous. They conduct weddings and birthdays in such an ostentatious manner that it pains me a lot. It appears that they are making fun of our commitment to the poor.

Congress is responsible for every major change in India

It was through the private world of family that the public world of politics came alive for me: living in intimate proximity with people for whom larger questions of ideology and belief, as well as issues relating to politics and governance, were vivid daily realities.

I suppose, mother-in-laws are frightening figures. Especially, more so for mother-in-laws to be.

Together we can face any challenges as deep as the ocean and as high as the sky.

To be equitable, economic growth has to be sustainable. To be sustainable, economic growth has in turn to be all-inclusive. All-inclusive is no longer the greatest good of the greatest number. It is actually 'Sarvodaya' or the 'rise of all'. This Mahatma Gandhi saw as essential to Satyagraha itself.

My complaint with Dr Singh is that he sometimes does not highlight his achievements enough.

Returning to power in northern India is very important for the Congress party. No magic wand will work. We have to make our efforts. It will be a long and difficult struggle for us.

I am resigning my post in the parliament. I have done this because I think it is the right thing to do.