Goa Assembly congratulates Pratibha Patil on becoming President

Panaji, July 23 (UNI) Cutting across party lines, the Goa Legislative Assembly today unanimously adopted a motion congratulating President-elect Pratibha Patil, who adorns the post tomorrow.

Speaker Pratapsinh Rane moved the motion immediately after the question hour, saying it was appropriate to congratulate her as she was the first woman elected to the highest post with more than three lakh votes. The resolution would be conveyed to her soon.

Hailing her victory, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat enumerated various achievements of Mrs Patil. Opposition leader Manohar Parrikar wished her success in her five-year term.

Participating in the discussion, Finance Minister Dayanand Narvekar, Panchayat Raj Minister Manohar Azgaoncar, PWD Minister Ramakrishna Dhavlikar (MGP) and Home Minister Ravi S Naik said a woman had risen to the highest post of the President of India for the first time in the country.

Those who hailed her victory included Damodar Naik (BJP), Churchill Alemao (SGF) and Viswajit Rane (Independent), who said her election symbolised efforts at women empowerment in the country and wished her success.

UNI