Am conscious about dignity of August office: Pratibha

Raipur, July 11 (UNI) UPA-left Presidential candidate Pratibha Patil today said she was conscious about the dignity and responsibilities of the August office.

'' I am committed to upholding the dignity and highest traditions of democracy,'' she said at a gathering of legislators and members of Parliament from Chhattisgarh, while seeking their support for the presidential election scheduled for July 19.

'' During my four and a half decade long public life, I worked in the areas of education, rural development and women empowerment and faced many challenges,'' she added.

'' Attempts for character assassination began soon after a woman got an opportinity to become the first woman president in six decades after independence , Ms Patil said, adding that she was unperturbed and would continue to be dedicated to the service of the nation.

AICC treasurer Motilal Vora, former chief minister Ajit Jogi, party observer and former union minister K P Singhdeo, Rajya sabha member Mohsina Kidwai and other Congress leaders were among those present.

UNI