Click to play videoMumbai Now with Pratibha's name being announced as one of the main contenders it's not just the women who are elated but also Maharashtra, the state from where she hails.
Pratibha Patil's name announced as UPA's nominee for the post of President triggers a chain of SMSs in Mumbai.
After 300 years the Marathas have finally conquered Delhi, say enthusiastic Maharashtrians.
For a state that has never had any representation in either the PMO or at Rashtrapati Bhavan this is truly a big day.
Senior Congresswoman Vijaya Patil says, “I am very happy. But its not just me, the whole of Maharashtra will be happy. For this is a state of reformists and for such a state to give India its first lady President, we are very happy."
Pratibha Patil has spent more than 20 years in the Maharashtra Assembly and over a decade as a minister in Maharashtra Government - truly a daughter of Maharashtra.
Even opposition parties like the Shiv Sena have shown indications that they may support Patil in the race.
Shiv Sena Spokesperson Sanjay Raut says, “We are happy. In the last 50 years of independent India, this is the first time a Maharashtrian is becoming the President and we have no hesitation is accepting this."
Maharashtra currently has huge representation in Union Cabinet, with leaders like Sharad Pawar and Sushilkumar Shinde holding important portfolios.
But for some reason, the state has never made it to the top in Delhi. Now things seem to be changing.
IBN Marathi Editor Nikhil Wagle says, “I am happy, at last after 40 years, Indira Gandhi became Prime Minister in 1968, after 40 years, Pratibha Patil is going to Rashtrapati Bhavan.”
Political parties in Maharashtra may support Pratibha Patil without hesitation in this race for Rashtrapati Bhavan but they will also have huge expectations from her.
The real challenge for Patil then will be to meet those expectations.
With inputs from Rohit Chandavarkar
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