Pratibha to be victorious, will become first woman Prez: Cong

New Delhi, July 19 (UNI) The Congress today asserted that UPA-Left nominee Pratibha Patil would emerge victorious in the Presidential polls, and criticised the NDA for mudslinging during campaigning.

Expressing confidence that Ms Patil would get a clear mandate after the results are declared on July 21, Gwalior MP Jyotiraditya Scindia said, ''It is a historic occasion. The country is going to have its first woman President.'' Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma said the question was not of victory but of how big would be the margin for Ms Patil.

Asked about the various charges levelled against the UPA Left nominee, he termed all the charges against Ms Patil as ''baseless and malicious.'' Mr Sharma said the people would not get swayed by BJP's campaign and see through their design. Mr Sharma said Ms Patil has four decade long of political career and suddenly the NDA was trying to find fault with her.

He criticised the NDA leaders and said it was distressing to see senior leaders stoop so low. He said the BJP was talking of integrity when Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, who had been associated with BJP and RSS throughout his life, has magically become independent and contesting the president's post as independent.

Mr Janadhan Dwivedi criticised the United Nationalist Progressive Alliance and said, ''Teen din main teesra morcha toot gaya (Third front got divided in three days.'' He was referring to MPs of AIADMK, which is a constituent of UNPA, participating in the presidential voting.

UNI