Prez poll: Patil meets Sonia, PM

Terming her nomination for the President's post as a 'big step for women,' Pratibha Patil on Saturday said the United Progressive Alliance's decision reflected how much respect the fair sex gets in the country and would help in empowerment of women.

Two days after being named as the ruling alliance's candidate for the top Constitutional post, the Rajasthan Governor arrived in New Delhi and met UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

"My candidature for the top post is a big step for women. This shows that India has a lot of respect for women," 72-year-old Patil told media persons on her arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi from Jaipur.

A senior Congress leader, Patil may face a contest from Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat who is tipped to be an independent candidate with National Democratic Alliance backing.

Expressing happiness at being selected as the UPA candidate, she said her candidature would 'inspire' other women and help in their empowerment.

"(But) empowerment will not come automatically. They will have to work for it," Patil said as curious passengers jostled at the airport to catch of glimpse of a possible first woman president of the country.

Asked about the proposed move to give 33 per cent reservation to women in Parliament and assemblies to empower them, Patil evaded a direct reply, saying Parliament would decide on the bill in this regard.

The Women's Reservation Bill has failed to become an act due to lack of consensus among the political parties.

Soon after her arrival in New Delhi, Patil held detailed discussions with Sonia and Dr Singh regarding her contest for the President's post.

Wearing a white saree with maroon border, Patil was received at the airport with bouquets by senior Congress leaders P R Dasmunsi, Oscar Fernandes, Suresh Pachouri and Motilal Vohra.

Her arrival was delayed by over one hour due to inclement weather.

Vijendra Singh Shekhawat, cousin of her husband Devi Singh Shekhawat who looks after the educational institutions owned by the latter, was also at the airport. .