Striking a nostalgic note, Congress president Sonia Gandhi recalled on Tuesday how Madhavrao Scindia helped her during her 'baby' steps in politics and Parliament.
"My lasting regret is that on May 13, 2004, when a secular government was formed in Delhi, he was not there to share that satisfaction," said Gandhi, who spoke of the "warmth and humanity" of the late leader.
She recalled her association with Scindia while realeasing a book -- Madhavrao Scindia: A life -- a biography of the senior Congress leader who was a former Union minister and maharaja of the erstwhile Gwalior state, authored by noted journalist Vir Sanghvi and Namita Bhandare.
"As a colleague, he would give straight forward answer and offered sincere advice. One never had to wonder what his real agenda was or speculate his motives," said Gandhi at the function which was attended by many leaders, including Union ministers and Congress leaders.
Reminiscing her early years in politics, Gandhi said she entered Parliament in 1999 for the first time and became the leader of the opposition, and "it was an altogether new experience, and a tough one."
"Madhavrao Scindia as the deputy leader shared a great deal of that burden. And it was his experience, his hard work,his constant support that made it easier for me to discharge my responsibility," Gandhi said.
