Emulating Congress president Sonia Gandhi, All India Congress Committee general secretary Ambika Soni on Saturday 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," Soni added.