CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Tuesday appealed to women to attend the July 1 rally to felicitate Presidential candidate Pratibha Patil, "whose election will pave the way for ending male chauvinism".

Writing in his party organ Murasoli, the DMK leader said the announcement of a woman's name for the highest post after 60 years of independence should be received with great joy.

Her visit to Chennai should be celebrated as a festival projecting the honour of women, he said.

Quoting poets Subramania Bharathi and Bharathidasan, he said the occasion marked the dawn of women's liberation and equality.