‘Untouchable’ elected as Indian head of state

India has elected a new president from the bottom of the Hindu caste system.

It is only the second time since independence that a head of state has been chosen from the marginalised Dalit community, once known as “untouchables”.

Ram Nath Kovind won the largely ceremonial position with more than 65 per cent of votes from members of India’s parliament and state assemblies. The 71-year-old former lawyer and state governor was nominated by the ruling party of Narendra Modi, India’s prime minister.