The Hindu : National : Smear campaign strengthens my resolve: Pratibha

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jul 07, 2007
ePaper

National

National

Smear campaign strengthens my resolve: Pratibha

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Presidential candidate Pratibha Patil on Friday said her resolve to remain steadfastly committed to the secular and democratic values only got strengthened further in the face of the “malicious campaign” of the Opposition.

Addressing a joint session of MLAs and MPs of the Congress and Left parties here, she said her commitment to the fellow citizens and the country would not waver because of the Opposition onslaught. Ms. Patil, who is here to garner the support of UPA allies, declared that she would uphold the fundamental concepts of liberty, equality and justice and the basic values of social, economic and political justice. “Sixty years after Independence, a woman has been chosen to head the great democratic republic. I am thankful to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, leaders of the UPA and the Left parties and all those supporting my candidature.”

Challenges

Turning her attention to the challenges facing the country, she said economic growth must be all-inclusive, benefiting all disadvantaged sections. Youth and women should also get their due

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, introducing Ms. Patil, said the Opposition criticism made little sense. All through her more than four-decade-old political career, none of those speaking against her now had mentioned the charges. It only reflected the political bankruptcy of the Opposition leaders and their intolerance towards a woman.

S. Sudhakar Reddy, CPI MP, wondered whether the National Democratic Alliance had the moral right to criticise Ms. Patil, as it had chosen a person who refused to participate in the Quit India Movement, and instead joined the police force.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National