HP Governor, CM congratulate Pratibha

Shimla, July 21 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Governor V S Kokje and Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today congratulated Pratibha Patil for being elected as the 13th president of the country.

Mr Kokje said the country would witness speedy development and better international relations under her able guidance and leadership.

The Chief Minister, in his message, hailed Ms Patil's victory as ''landmark'', saying she is the first woman president of the biggest democracy of the world.

Besides being a victory for the Congress, her election would boost the morale of women in the country, he said.

UNI