New Delhi, May 22: Emulating Congress president Sonia Gandhi, AICC general secretary Ambika Soni today turned down an offer of a ministerial berth in the Manmohan Singh government, saying she would like to work with the motto of "selflessness and service to the nation".
In a letter to Gandhi, Soni said, "Today you have asked me to serve as a member in the council of ministers of the government of India. A singular honour for every political worker. But I am also one of those who have been inspired by your unique example.

"Allow me to emulate you. I too would like to work with your motto of selflessness and service to the nation above everything else," she said.
"Therefore, in all humility I request you to ask the Prime Minister not to include me in his cabinet. My close association with you is very valuable to me and I cherish it," she said.
Reminding Gandhi of her decision to renounce prime ministership, Soni said that it had "electrified" the world and reiteration of her commitment as Congress president had "strengthened" the secular ethos of the Indian polity.
"You have enthused party workers across the country. You have dealt a lethal blow to all those who have been ranting and raving about sectarian and divisive issues. Yours has been an act unparalleled in political history," she added.
Bureau Report