Cong hails woman Presidential nominee

New Delhi, Jun 14 (UNI) The Congress today hailed the announcement of Rajasthan Governor Pratibha Patil as the UPA-Left Presidential candidate, saying she will offer a formidable challenge to Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, who is likely to contest as an Independent for the Presidential election.

"She will prove to be a formidable candidate for her adversary,"Congress Spokesman Satyavrat Chaturvedi said.

He said it was for the first time that the Congress has chosen a woman as the Presidential nominee.

"The UPA is committed to the empowerment and upliftment of women folk who constitute about half the country's population.'' "I am also glad that we have chosen an experienced political leader who has a sound and clear background," Mr Chaturvedi said.

UNI