An all-women delegation met Pratibha Patil, the United Progressive Alliance-Lefts presidential nominee and wished her success in the impending Presidential polls.
New Delhi, June 19 : An all-women delegation met Pratibha Patil, the United Progressive Alliance-Left's presidential nominee and wished her success in the impending Presidential polls.
Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chose Pratibha Patil to run for what is largely a ceremonial position, elections for which will be held on July 19.
Political commentators say Pratibha Patil has a good chance to become the country's first woman President even though her choice could weaken the position.
However, Congress leaders said the move augured well for women empowerment.
"This is for the fist time that such an honour is being rested upon a Maharashtrian. It is also the first time that a woman has been nominated for such a high post. This is a good sign for the women as well," said Vilas Rao Deshmukh, Maharashtra Chief Minister.
The BJP, which is supporting Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat who is contesting as an independent candidate for the President post, slammed Patil's nomination as a 'decision made out of compulsion' by the UPA.
"Patil was neither Congress-led UPA first choice, nor their natural choice. She is a choice out of compulsion. So, the argument of women empowerment is a fake argument. There is no genuineness in this," said senior BJP leader and party spokesperson Sushma Swaraj.
The voting to elect India's 13th President will be held on July 19 and counting is scheduled for July 21. Nominations can be filed till June 30.
An Electoral College comprising of all elected lawmakers in the national parliament and deputies in the provincial legislatures elects the President.
The term of incumbent President A.P.J Abdul Kalam ends on July 24.
ANI