Patil's vote against politics of divisiveness: PM

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday described the victory of UPA-Left nominee Pratibha Patil as a vote against the "politics of divisiveness".

"The victory of Pratibha Patil for the august office of President is the victory of those forces which seek to unite our people," Singh told reporters after he along with UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi visited the President-elect to congratulate her.

He termed Patil's election as a "vote against the politics of divisiveness" and said it would "strengthen the foundation of our secular republic".

Gandhi said she was elated at the country getting its first woman President after 60 years of independence.

"I thank everyone, all UPA leaders, voters, (BSP chief) Mayawati and the other leaders who supported Pratibha Patil," she said.

"It is a special moment of women and men too," Gandhi said.