All charges are baseless, says Pratibha

Patil begins her presidential campaign by stoutly denying allegations of financial irregularities, nepotism and murder against her family members, reports GC Shekhar.

The UPA's Presidential nominee, Pratibha Patil, began her Presidential campaign by stoutly denying allegations of financial irregularities, nepotism and even murder against her family members.

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After witnessing a massive DMK rally here on Sunday, Pratibha told MLAs and MPs of the UPA that the charges against her had no basis.

"A great deal has been written and spoken about me. I deny the allegations made against from the day I was made UPA's presidential nominee. These allegations are false, malicious and baseless," she said reading out a short prepared speech in English at a dinner hosted by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M Karunanidhi.

This is the first-ever reaction from Pratibha to the slew of charges about the defunct co-operatibve bank she had founded, the bank loan reneged by a sugar mill started by her and alleged involvement of her brother in the killing of a local DCC President and her husband in the suicide of a school teacher in Jalgaon.

"Despite all attempts to tarnish my image I'll be steadfast in my commitment to serve the country," she told to loud applause from the gathering. Also coming to her defence was M Karunanidhi who listed her achievements towards women's welfare and said that she would herald the dream of 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies. He urged parties that had decided to abstain from the presidential election to vote for Pratibha "as she was the best secular choice."

Addressing the rally, organised by women volunteers of the DMK, Pratibha said, "Throughout my life, I have worked for the empowerment of women. It has been my privilege to serve society in many ways and capacities in the past 55 years."