I will not be a rubber stamp President: Pratibha Patil

NEW DELHI: Pratibha Patil, whose loyalty to Nehru-Gandhi family was widely perceived to be a major factor in her nomination as UPA-Left Presidential candidate, on Saturday asserted she would not be a 'rubber stamp' President.

"There is no reason why I should be a rubber stamp President. I have got my own thinking. I've got my individuality. I was not a rubber stamp as Governor either," she said when asked whether she would be a rubber stamp President.

Patil, who is likely to take on Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat who may contest against her as an independent candidate with NDA support, said she would resign as Rajasthan Governor before filing her nomination.

She sought an appointment for a meeting with Shekhawat but was surprised to see him at her door in the Jodhpur House here along with Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.

Terming her nomination as a 'big step for women', she said UPA's decision reflected how much respect the fair sex gets in the country and would help in empowerment of women.