Azad greets Pratibha on becoming first woman Prez

Srinagar, July 21 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today congratulated Pratibha Patil on her election as the President, saying the fact that she was the first woman president of the country made her election more significant.

Mr Azad said Ms Patil's victory was in fact the victory of the secular, progressive and forward-looking forces in India and a shining example of women empowerment in the country.

He said the president elect being the first woman to reach the top constitutional position was a great honour for India even as it was a path breaking political development.

In electing her, the law makers of the country have taken a lead over the US where a woman President is still a debating issue, he said.

Mr Azad hoped that the new president would lead the country to newer heights of glory and achievement. Her ability and acumen, he said, would be a guiding force for everybody in the country.

He congratulated Congress President and UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for the overwhelming victory of the UPA nominee for the President's post.

The Chief Minister wished Ms Patil a lively tenure as president of the country.

UNI