CHANDIGARH: Haryana Chief Minister, Bhupinder Singh Hooda Saturday complimented UPA candidate, Pratibha Patil for the massive mandate which she got in the Presidential election.

Hooda said that she is the first woman to hold the highest office in the country and the 13th President of India. He appreciated the decision of the UPA, especially of the UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi, to have Pratibha Patil as the UPA nominee.

Hooda reminded that he had predicted massive votes for Patil because of the progressive policies of UPA Government at the Centre and the Congress in the State and his prediction had proved true. He thanked all those who exercised their franchise in favour of UPA candidate and said that their support had further strengthened the resolve of the UPA as well as the Congress to continue social reforms so as to improve the quality of life of the people.