Pratibha Patil meets legislators in Karnataka

Bangalore, July 6: The UPA-Left sponsorted Presidential candidate Prathiba Patil today declared that her success in the presidential polls will be the victory of the people of the country.

Addressing Congress legislators in Karnataka in the run up for the July 19 elections she said it was a privilege to be the presidential nominee choice of the UPA and the left parties and added that it would be a honour to serve the country in the top post.

Stating that hundreds and thousands of people both men and women laid their lives in freedom struggle she said that she would upheld the Constitution of India, which ensures liberty, equality and fraternity in securing social, economic and political justice to all.

Declaring that Secularism was the most fundamental cream of country's constitution Mrs Patil exhorted that all sections of disadvantaged society should get an opportunity to share the benefit of the country's fruits of development.

Unperturbed over the smear campaign being launched by her opponents, spearheaded by the BJP, she said she had faced many challenges in her long public life. Inspite of all attempts to tarnish her image, ''remain steadfast in my commitment to my fellow citizens and the country'' she added. "I will continue to serve the nation with humility and deep sense of duty " she declared.

Mrs Patil, came from Tiruvananthapuram was introduced to every legislator by former Chief Minister and Opposition leader in the Karantaka assembly N Dharam Singh. Speaking on the occasion Mr Singh declared that the rank and file of the party would wholeheartedly support her. Terming the decision of party President and UPA Chairperson Smt Sonia Gandhi to pick up a woman candidate for the country's highest post as a historic one, Mr Singh expressed confidence that she would win the election by thumping majority.

Karnataka Pradesh Congress President Mr Mallikarjuna Kharge said she would secure more than the number of votes than expected in Karnataka. Apart from 65 congress legislators, four associate members of Congress, four Independents and two members of Maharashtra Ekikarana Samithi (MES) have also assured their support to Pratibha Patil. The eight rebel JD(S) legislators including Dr H C Mahadevappa and B R Patil would also cast their votes in favour of Mrs Patil, Mr Kharge said.

The lone member of Kannada Vatal paksha Mr Vatal Nagaraj, who had declared his support to her was also present in the meeting.

UNI