Chennai, July 1
UPA Presidential nominee Pratibha Patil today described the allegations levelled against her as “false, malicious and baseless”.
“I deny the allegations being made against me right from the day I was named as UPA’s Presidential nominee. These allegations are false, malicious and baseless," she told the MLAs and MPs of UPA and Left parties from Tamil Nadu while launching her campaign for the July 19 Presidential poll.
“Despite all attempts to tarnish my image, I will strive to serve the nation,” she said.
Earlier, while launching her campaign she said women were the backbone of every home and they contributed greatly to the progress and development of the nation.
Addressing a women's rally organised by DMK here to support her candidature, she said even during the struggle for Independence, women had made significant contribution and had faced lathis and bullets even while feeding their families.
“Throughout my life, I have worked for the empowerment of women and this is a proud moment. It has been my privilege to serve society in many ways and
capacities in the last 55 years”, she said.
Patil said “secularism, social amity and inclusive growth of all citizens” were the basic principles of democracy.
“It is a great joy for me to watch the tremendous enthusiasm of women who took part in the rally and showed their love and affection for me”, she said.
Thanking Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, BSP and allies of UPA, especially DMK and its chief M.Karunanidhi, she saluted Tamil Nadu women for their “leadership qualities, courage and determination”.
She said India’s was an ancient civilisation and it had become a modern saga of success and had grown into a strong and powerful nation.
— PTI
