Women wear veils as mark of dignity, says Pratibha Patil

Former president Pratibha Patil said in Jaipur on Thursday that wearing a veil (ghoonghat) is a personal decision that women take to maintain their dignity.

She said Padmavati is a symbol of pride for all women and there should be no historical distortion. Patil also said that she was happy as the Governor in Rajasthan and felt caged as the President. She said this on Thursday at a tea party organised by former chief minister Ashok Gehlot at his official residence in Jaipur.

Recalling her days in Jaipur as Governor, Patil said the atmosphere was very good and it was a a pleasure to meet old acquainces. The former President said she was happier here. "There was so much security that I felt caged, the environment was not so free."

Former President Pratibha Patil is married to Devi Singh Shekhawat a Rajput from Jhunjhunu. After her tenure as the Governor of Rajasthan, she had been pitched against Bhairon Singh Shekhawat for the Presidential elections that she won. Incidentally, both Shekhawats have their ancestral roots in Sikar district. With Rajputs up in arms against the BJP in Rajasthan; political inferences can be drawn from Pratibha Patil's statements. They are being considered as a means to gain points in favour of Congress.