AIDWA urges all parties to vote for Pratibha Patil

New Delhi, June 15 (UNI) Hailing the candidature of Rajasthan Governor Pratibha Patil for the post of President, All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) today urged all political parties to vote for her.

''AIDWA appeals to all political parties, especially those committed to secularism, to vote for Ms Pratibha Patil. We extend our support to her,'' said Subhashini Ali, President of AIDWA, a Left organisation.

Ms Ali said for the 2002 presidential election also AIDWA had endorsed the candidature of Dr Lakshmi Sahgal, the Left nominee.

''We are happy that the Left has played its role this time in finalising the choice of Ms Patil, who looks all set to become the first woman President of India,'' she added.

The AIDWA president said a large section of the population hoped that the acceptance of a woman as the constitutional head of the Republic will create a larger appreciation of women's contribution to public life.

''It will also ensure their due space in all spheres including politics,'' she added.

UNI