Pratibha Patil, a 72-years old woman, was elected on Saturday as India's first ever woman president. The Indian election commission said that Patil, the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) nominee scored an overwhelming victory, cornering about 65 per cent of the votes cast by an electoral college of lawmakers.

Patil defeated Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, 84, the nominee of the opposition National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

In a speech held after the elections results were announced, Patil expressed her gratitude to the people of India. "I am grateful to the voters. I am grateful to the people of India, the men and women of India," Patil said.

In the past, Pratibha Patil has held several important ministerial portfolios in the Maharashtra government including public health, education, tourism, housing and urban development, social welfare and cultural affairs.

Patil’s victory is a surprise for many analysts, because she is a nationally lesser known figure than BJP leader Shekhawat. Patil has said she is aware of the responsibilities attached to India's top job. "There have been attempts to tarnish my image. But I will do my duty rightfully if elected," she said at a meeting with legislators last week.

In fact, shortly after Patil was declared elected for the highest office in the country, Vice-President Shekhawat submitted his resignation to President A P J Abdul Kalam.

''I hereby tender my resignation from the post of Vice President of India and am extremely grateful to you for the cooperation and guidance that I have always got from you,'' Shekhawat wrote.