Patil says charges against her are baseless

Breaking her silence over the allegations levelled by the NDA and in the media, UPA presidential nominee Pratibha Patil today described the charges as "false, malicious and baseless."

"I deny the allegations being made against me right from the day I was named as the UPA's presidential nominee. These allegations are false, malicious and baseless," she told MLAs and MPs of the UPA and the Left parties from Tamil Nadu while launching her campaign for the July 19 presidential poll.

"Despite all attempts to tarnish my image, I will strive to serve the nation," she said.

"In the last two days, a great deal had been written and spoken about me. I only wish to say that the malicious allegations made against me are false and baseless," Patil said.

"Despite all attempts to tarnish my image, I remain steadfast to my commitment to serve countrymen and women in the highest and the most noble traditions of our democracy," she said.

Patil's remarks came against the backdrop of a series of charges levelled against her by NDA and in the media about financial dealings by the cooperative bank founded by her.