NDA nominee for president post, Mr. Ram Nath Kovind visited the Parliament House to file his nomination for the upcoming presidential elections 2017. Kovind is a strong president contender contesting for the 15th presidential poll in India. On his way to the Parliament, he was accompanied by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, other senior BJP leaders and the chief ministers of NDA-ruled states.
Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje, along with former Tamil Nadu CM O. Panneerselvam vouched Kovind’s candidature. As of now, Kovind is expected to get 48.9% votes from NDA parties like Shiv Sena and Janta Dal United. Seven other non-NDA regional parties are expected to extend their support, bumping his graph to 63.1%. With majority votes against UPA nominee Meira Kumar, Koving is expected to be a shoo-in for the 15th presidential election in India due on July 17. The final counting of the vote will take place on July 20, following which India will be getting its new president.
Kovind, who hails from Uttar Pradesh is an alumnus from Kanpur University. He had served as an advocate at the Delhi high court and the Supreme Court of India. Being an ardent patron of minority rights, he had led several campaigns for the rights of SC, ST, and OBCs, especially his own community. As a lawyer, he offered free legal aid for women, girls, BPL and lower sections of the society. All these qualities make him a strong contender for the president post.
In a bid to give him a strong competition, Congress President Sonia Gandhi nominated Meira Kumar, another ‘Dalit’ face because they felt left out in the presidential race. However, the party has decided to give them a tough fight by nominating her as their candidate.
Thanking his supporters, Kovind said that as a president, he’ll raise above party and politics to fulfill his duty. Around 480 MPs/MLAs have already signed his nomination papers, lending him their support.
