Kovind scales Raisina Hill
NO.1 CITIZEN NDA pick scores landslide win over jt Opposition nominee for the nation’s top post
Ram Nath Kovind, former Governor of Bihar and a lesser known BJP leader, would be the 14th President of India. He hails from the rural areas of Kanpur, thus becoming the first President to be elected from Uttar Pradesh, a state which has been giving the country Prime Ministers, irrespective of political affiliations.
“One who is honest gets his due,” was one of the President-elect’s emotional reactions soon after his landslide victory was announced.
The results, announced on Thursday evening, was along expected lines with Kovind recording an easy win over his rival and former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar by securing almost double the votes than his opponent. While Kovind bagged 65.65% of the total votes, Meira Kumar had to remain content with 34.35 %. The BJP top brass was expecting a 70:30 margin.
Prime Minister Modi, who had made clear that Kovind was his personal choice, was the first to welcome his election. “Gladdened by the extensive support for Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji among MPs & across various states. I thank members of the electoral college,” the Prime Minister tweeted.
Congratulations to Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji on being elected the President of India! Best wishes for a fruitful & inspiring tenure — Narendra Modi, PM
The election of Ram Nath Kovind Ji is a victory for the poor, downtrodden and the marginalised — Amit Shah, BJP chief
I offer my best wishes to you for a successful tenure. May you lead India to the path of democracy, stability and prosperity — Pranab Mukherjee, Outgoing President
Continued from Page 1 Modi also congratulated defeated candidate Meira Kumar for her campaign, stressing that contest was in the spirit of democratic ethos and values which “we are all proud of ”.
Though the numbers were stacked in favour of Kovind, the election had generated much heat and debate, thanks to the surprise announcement by the BJP and the caste factor of the two candidates.
Soon after winning the election Kovind said, “This is the novelty of Indian democracy that I have been elected as the President of the country.”
Meanwhile, preparations have begun at the Rashtrapati Bhavan to receive its new occupant at a grand swearing-in ceremony. Pranab Mukherjee steps down on July 25 and a grand farewell has been planned by the Vice-President and Lok Sabha Speaker inside Parliament on July 23.