Pratibha undeterred by tirades against her

Patna, Jul 10 (UNI) UPA-left presidential candidate Pratibha Patil today reiterated her commitments to follow the highest tradition of Indian democracy in serving the nation even after the ''continued efforts of some vested interests to malign her image.'' Addressing a meeting of the MPs and MLAs of UPA and Left parties from Bihar, Ms Patil made passing references to several challenges she faced in her fifty years of political career and stressed here commitment to the development of rural areas and for empowerment of women during the period.''My aims and objectives would remain undeterred even after the efforts from some corner to malign my image in the society,'' she added.

Ms Patil said she always maintained the secular credentials which was fundamental of the Constitution and added that every section of the society should get the benefit of development.

During her address, she referred to the glorious past of Bihar from where democracy emanated in the world. She highlighted the contributions of the first President of India Dr Rajendra Prasad and also discussed the golden era of education in Nalanda University, considered to be the oldest university of the world.

RJD Chief and Railway Minister Lalu Prasad, LJP Chief and Union Minister Ramvilas Paswan, Union Minister of state Prithvi Raj Chauhan, State Congress president Sadanand Singh, CPM leader Ramdeo Verma, CPI leader Badri Narayan Lal, BSP leader Ramchandra Singh and others were also present in the meeting.

UNI