New Delhi: President Pratibha Patil stated she would be a ‘political president’ rather than being a ‘rubber stamp.”

Pratibha added, “There are several issues on which suggestions could be passed on to the government. A president can always discuss suggestions on critical issues and the government after due consideration can accept or reject those.”

“I am not going to be a rubber stamp. I will be a political president,” she also said.

On taking over from Kalam, Ms. Patil said, “accessibility should not be a problem”.

She said she was keen on dealing troubles confronted by rural India and the underprivileged classes.

"I am particularly interested in rural development, the rural economy, women's development, welfare of backward classes, education and health,” she said.