Patil says all allegations are 'motivated'

NEW DELHI: Dismissing all allegations against her as 'motivated', Pratibha Patil, the UPA-Left Presidential nominee, on Wednesday said that under no circumstances the campaign for the July 19 poll should "demean the dignity of the highest office".

In a statement, soon after the withdrawal process was over, Patil said if elected she shall discharge her duties and responsibilities consistent with the Constitutional schemes and conventions established by "my illustrious and distinguished predecessors".

Patil said that it was a "distinct honour" to be a candidate to occupy the highest office of the world's largest democracy.

"I shall seek the votes of the electoral college in a spirit of humility. Under no circumstances should the campaign, directly or indirectly, demean the dignity of the highest office," she said.

Noting that with her nomination papers having been found valid after scrutiny, she said she was now formally a candidate for the highest office of the nation.

Patil, who has been targeted by the BJP-led NDA in the run up to the poll, said "in my over five decades of public life, I have always endeavoured to be true to my conscience.

"All the allegations against me are motivated and have already been answered," she said.

The UPA nominee said "if I am elected, I shall discharge my duties and responsibilities consistent with the Constitutional scheme and conventions established by my illustrious and distinguished predecessors".