People throng Raj Bhawan to congratulate Pratibha Patil

Jaipur, June 15 (UNI) People from all walks of life thronged Raj Bhawan here today to congratulate Rajasthan Governor Pratibha Patil on becoming UPA's Presidential nominee.

An atmosphere of joy also prevailed in Chhoti Losal village of Sikar district, the native place of Mrs Patil's husband Dr Devisingh Ramsingh Shekhawat.

Former Chief Ministers Jaganath Pahadia and Shiv Charan Mathur, Rajasthan Tourism Minister Ms Usha Ponia, Congress state president B D Kalla, various Rajasthan MLAs, including Dr C S Baid, Hari Mohan and Brij Kishore Sharma congratulated the Governor.

Senior state officials, including Chief Secretary Anil Vaish and Home Secretary V S Singh also called on Mrs Patil.

Women's organisations, NGOs and community groups also hailed her nomination to the top consitutional post.

People in Shekhawati region of the state were particularly cheerful as both Mrs Patil and her prospective rival Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat hail from the region.

UNI