Amar says Pratibha is a ''defaulter'', should withdraw

New Delhi, June 22 (UNI) Samajwadi Party general secretary and UNPA leader Amar Singh today demanded that the UPA withdraw its presidential nominee Pratibha Patil in the wake of the disclosure that she was a ''defaulter in payment of a loan.'' Addressing a news conference along with AIDMK chief J Jayalalithaa and other UNPA leaders this evening, Mr Singh said Ms Patil owes over Rs 17 crore to Mumbai District Cooperative Bank, which was very unfortunate for a person who is going to contest for the country's highest office.

He said the UPA should reconsider its decision to put up such a candidate.

According to a TV channel IBN7 report, a sugar factory headed by Mrs Patil has recently been served a notice by a bank for non-payment of dues of Rs 17.5 crore.

UNI