I will remain stead-fast in my commitments: Pratiba Patil

Puducherry, July 5 (UNI) UPA Presidential candidate Prathiba Patil today said in spite of all attempts to tarnish her image she will remain stead-fast in her committments to serve the people of the country in the highest.

Addressing a joint meeting of the Legislators and Parliament members in the Union Territory, seeking support for her in the July 19 Presidential election, Ms Patil said she would continue to serve the nation with humility and commitment.

''We believe that economic growth has to be benefitted by all sections of the society - the poor, disadvantaged, dalit, tribal, minorities, OBCs, youths, men and women,'' she said, and added that the fundamental creed of our Constitution was Secularism, having equal respect to all faith, combined with social harmony.

She recalled the immense hardships faced by the father of the nation and countless men and women during the independence struggle.

Ms Patil said she did not regard this as her election but regarded it as a victory for millions of citizens of the country.

Later, she left for Chennai, enroute to Thiruvananthapuram.

UNI