New Delhi: In a surprise move, the UPA on Thursday announced the name of Rajasthan Governor Pratibha Devisingh Patil Shekhawat as their candidate for the Presidential elections.
"It's a very prestigious post. To consider a woman sends a good message. This is symbolic of the fact that women are respected in this country. I am grateful to Sonia Gandhi and the UPA for putting forth my name. A woman as president of India will send the right signal to country and to the world," she said.
Patil said she never dreamt of occupying the top Constitutional post and was given a "hint" by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi regarding her nomination on Thursday afternoon.
Asked whether there was any pressure on her to contest the Presidential poll, Patil said there was "no pressure. It was just an offer."
"I don't know what lies ahead, but I respect the fact that Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat is in the race too. I respect him as an individual," she added humbly.
Pratibha Patil said that her first task, if made the President of India would be to ensure that the employment guarantee scheme started by Sonia Gandhi is taken forward.
"There is a global competition in all sectors and there is a need that India should get a proper place on the world firmament," she said.
She also said that she would like to take up the problem of economic disparity in the country.
When reminded that Shekhawat is a son of Shekhawati region and that she is a bahu (daughter-in-law) of a Shekawati as she is married to that family in the same region, Patil quipped "Main beta or beti mein farak nahi karti (I do not
differentiate between son and daugther)."
"I had a wonderful and memorable time in Rajasthan as governor," Patil said, adding in an emotional tone,"ab yahan nahi rah paungi, uska dhukh to hoga...aap ko yaad rakhoongi, aap mujhe bool mat jana (Now, I won't be living here. I will feel sad about it, but I won't forget you and you please don't forget me)."
Whether she shared her happiness on this moment with any of the family members, Patil said, "my husband called me but the phone got disconnected in the train...I will do it shortly now."
Asked about her immediate plans, Patil said "I will be going to Delhi in a day or so."
All the UPA allies have accepted Pratibha Patil's name and the announcement came on Thursday evening after a day of meetings and more meetings.
Though she may not have been the first choice, Pratibha Patil benefits from elimination and heavyweight contenders in the race have accepted her candidature graciously.
If she becomes the President, she will be the first woman President India will ever have.
(With inputs from PTI)
Comments
0 comment