<p>Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that the party will approach the Supreme Court if necessary after President Ram Nath Kovind&nbsp;approved the recommendation by the Election Commission (EC) to disqualify 20 AAP MLAs for allegedly holding offices of profit,&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier the Delhi CM blamed the centre for imposing a fake case on his&nbsp;MLAs. &quot; They (BJP led centre) have put a false case on our 20 MLAs. The did not find anything even after conducting a CBI.They do not find anyone corrupt in the country&nbsp;except me. Everyone else in the country is honest,&quot; Kejriwal told reporters in Delhi.</p>

<p>They disqualified our MLAs after they did not get anything,&quot; he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Humare 20 MLAs pe jhoote case kar diye, mere upar CBI ki raid kara di aur tab bhi inko kuch nahi mila. Inko poore desh mein Kejriwal hi corrupt mila, baaki sab imaandaar hain. Jab kuch nahi hua toh inhone humare 20 MLAs ko disqualify kar diya:Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in Najafgarh <a href="https://t.co/bUYoXh0RYB">pic.twitter.com/bUYoXh0RYB</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955058860036833280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>He also tweeted saying that he was bestowed upon with 67 seats because of his &#39;&#39;honesty&#39;&#39;.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">ऊपर वाले ने 67 सीट कुछ सोच कर ही दी थी।<br />
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हर क़दम पर ऊपर वाला आम आदमी पार्टी के साथ है, नहीं तो हमारी औक़ात ही क्या थी। बस सच्चाई का मार्ग मत छोड़ना।</p>
&mdash; Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/955058919092633606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Election Commission on Friday asked President Kovind to disqualify 20 AAP MLAs&nbsp;for being parliamentary secretaries.</p>

<p>The disqualification will not endanger the Arvind Kejriwal government but its numbers will come down to 45 in the 70-seat Delhi Assembly. The party would still enjoy a comfortable majority in the assembly.</p>

<p>Former finance minister Yashwant Sinha termed the disqualification of AAP MLAs &quot; miscarriage of natural justice&quot;.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">President&#39;s order disqualifying the 20 AAP MLAs is complete miscarriage of natural justice. No hearing, no waiting for High Court&#39;s order. It is Tughluqshahi of the worst order.</p>
&mdash; Yashwant Sinha (@YashwantSinha) <a href="https://twitter.com/YashwantSinha/status/955046056282042369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><br />
<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Earlier the Delhi CM blamed the centre for imposing a fake case on his MLAs.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that the party will approach the Supreme Court if necessary after President Ram Nath Kovind approved the recommendation by the Election Commission (EC) to disqualify 20 AAP MLAs for allegedly holding offices of profit, Earlier the Delhi CM blamed the centre for imposing a fake case on his MLAs. " They (BJP led centre) have put a false case on our 20 MLAs. The did not find anything even after conducting a CBI.They do not find anyone corrupt in the country except me. Everyone else in the country is honest," Kejriwal told reporters in Delhi. They disqualified our MLAs after they did not get anything," he added. Humare 20 MLAs pe jhoote case kar diye, mere upar CBI ki raid kara di aur tab bhi inko kuch nahi mila. Inko poore desh mein Kejriwal hi corrupt mila, baaki sab imaandaar hain. Jab kuch nahi hua toh inhone humare 20 MLAs ko disqualify kar diya:Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in Najafgarh pic.twitter.com/bUYoXh0RYB — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2018 × He also tweeted saying that he was bestowed upon with 67 seats because of his ''honesty''. ऊपर वाले ने 67 सीट कुछ सोच कर ही दी थी। हर क़दम पर ऊपर वाला आम आदमी पार्टी के साथ है, नहीं तो हमारी औक़ात ही क्या थी। बस सच्चाई का मार्ग मत छोड़ना। — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 21, 2018 × Election Commission on Friday asked President Kovind to disqualify 20 AAP MLAs for being parliamentary secretaries. The disqualification will not endanger the Arvind Kejriwal government but its numbers will come down to 45 in the 70-seat Delhi Assembly. The party would still enjoy a comfortable majority in the assembly. Former finance minister Yashwant Sinha termed the disqualification of AAP MLAs " miscarriage of natural justice". President's order disqualifying the 20 AAP MLAs is complete miscarriage of natural justice. No hearing, no waiting for High Court's order. It is Tughluqshahi of the worst order. — Yashwant Sinha (@YashwantSinha) January 21, 2018 ×

Will approach SC if required: Kejriwal on disqualification of MLAs

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind extended their congratulations to Indian U-19 team for their world cup winning effort on Saturday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Absolutely thrilled by the stupendous achievement of our young cricketers. Congratulations to them on winning the Under-19 World Cup. This triumph makes every Indian extremely proud.</p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/959713422077317120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congrats to India&#39;s talented young cricket team for winning the Under-19 World Cup. Calmness and composure of our boys embellishes their skills. Proud of captain <a href="https://twitter.com/Shaw_Prithvi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Shaw_Prithvi</a> and his mates, as well as of coach Rahul Dravid and the hard-working support staff <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentKovind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentKovind</a></p>
&mdash; President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/959697626059943936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Many prominent personalities including politicians and cricketer and people from entertainment industry hailed Indian U-19 team for bringing world cup to the country.</p>

<p>Newly-elected Congress president Rahul Gandhi also sent his congratulations on Twitter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations Team India on your resounding U 19 Cricket World Cup win! India takes great pride in the success of its new generation of cricket stars. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/U19CWCFinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#U19CWCFinal</a> <a href="https://t.co/DHUaYzhxjL">pic.twitter.com/DHUaYzhxjL</a></p>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/959709436716683264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Rajnath Singh also extended his congratulations to the team.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to the Indian cricket team, captain Prithvi Shaw &amp; coach Rahul Dravid on winning the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/U19CWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#U19CWC</a> . Our boys outplayed the opponents by exhibiting great determination and wonderful cricketing skills. The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoysInBlue?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoysInBlue</a> have made the country proud again.</p>
&mdash; Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/959707655743959040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/u-19-final-manjot-kalras-ton-takes-india-to-historic-fourth-world-cup-title-31660" target="_blank">India defeated three times World Champions Australia</a>&nbsp;by 8 wickets to register a memorable a memorable World Cup triumph in Mount Maunganui, Bay Oval, on Saturday. &nbsp;</p>


defeated three times World Champions Australia by 8 wickets to register a memorable a memorable World Cup triumph in Mount Maunganui, Bay Oval, on Saturday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind extended their congratulations to Indian U-19 team for their world cup winning effort on Saturday. Absolutely thrilled by the stupendous achievement of our young cricketers. Congratulations to them on winning the Under-19 World Cup. This triumph makes every Indian extremely proud. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 3, 2018 × Congrats to India's talented young cricket team for winning the Under-19 World Cup. Calmness and composure of our boys embellishes their skills. Proud of captain @Shaw_Prithvi and his mates, as well as of coach Rahul Dravid and the hard-working support staff #PresidentKovind — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 3, 2018 × Many prominent personalities including politicians and cricketer and people from entertainment industry hailed Indian U-19 team for bringing world cup to the country. Newly-elected Congress president Rahul Gandhi also sent his congratulations on Twitter. Congratulations Team India on your resounding U 19 Cricket World Cup win! India takes great pride in the success of its new generation of cricket stars. #U19CWCFinal pic.twitter.com/DHUaYzhxjL — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) February 3, 2018 × Rajnath Singh also extended his congratulations to the team. Congratulations to the Indian cricket team, captain Prithvi Shaw & coach Rahul Dravid on winning the #U19CWC . Our boys outplayed the opponents by exhibiting great determination and wonderful cricketing skills. The #BoysInBlue have made the country proud again. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) February 3, 2018 × India defeated three times World Champions Australia by 8 wickets to register a memorable a memorable World Cup triumph in Mount Maunganui, Bay Oval, on Saturday.

PM Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind congratulate U-19 team on historic victory

<p>Israeli&nbsp;Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a yoga class Monday.</p>

<p>&quot;My friend Narendra, if anytime you want to do a yoga class with me, it is a big stretch, but I will be there,&quot; Netanyahu said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> &quot;My friend Narendra if anytime you want to do a Yoga class with me,it is a big stretch but I will be there&quot;: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BenjaminNetanyahu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BenjaminNetanyahu</a> to PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/RUjVtNFckf">pic.twitter.com/RUjVtNFckf</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/952826071375757314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The comment was&nbsp;of course&nbsp;made lightheartedly -- at a joint press statement by the two prime ministers -- but goes a long way towards showing how well the two leaders get along.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is also not certain whether Netanyahu actually does yoga.</p>

<p>Modi on the other hand is known to be a practitioner. He has also led yoga demonstrations in Delhi on World Yoga Day.</p>

<p>Netanyahu also called Narendra Modi a revolutionary leader and praised Modi&#39;s visit to Israel last year, calling it &quot;groundbreaking&nbsp;as it was the first time an Indian leader visited Israel.&quot;</p>

<p>India and Israel signed nine agreements on Monday including film cooperation, homoeopathy and alternative medicine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Netanyahu arrived in India on Sunday on a six-day visit. He is scheduled to meet President Ram Nath Kovind later today.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/one-un-vote-will-not-affect-ties-netanyahu-on-jerusalem-29519">Also read: One negative UN vote will not affect ties with India: Netanyahu on Jerusalem</a></p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jews-in-india-never-witnessed-antisemitism-like-in-some-other-countries-netanyahu-29578">Jews in India never witnessed antisemitism like in some other countries: Netanyahu</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


'My friend Narendra, if anytime you want to do a yoga class with me, it is a big stretch, but I will be there,' Netanyahu said

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a yoga class Monday. "My friend Narendra, if anytime you want to do a yoga class with me, it is a big stretch, but I will be there," Netanyahu said. #WATCH "My friend Narendra if anytime you want to do a Yoga class with me,it is a big stretch but I will be there": PM #BenjaminNetanyahu to PM Modi pic.twitter.com/RUjVtNFckf — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2018 × The comment was of course made lightheartedly -- at a joint press statement by the two prime ministers -- but goes a long way towards showing how well the two leaders get along. It is also not certain whether Netanyahu actually does yoga. Modi on the other hand is known to be a practitioner. He has also led yoga demonstrations in Delhi on World Yoga Day. Netanyahu also called Narendra Modi a revolutionary leader and praised Modi's visit to Israel last year, calling it "groundbreaking as it was the first time an Indian leader visited Israel." India and Israel signed nine agreements on Monday including film cooperation, homoeopathy and alternative medicine. Netanyahu arrived in India on Sunday on a six-day visit. He is scheduled to meet President Ram Nath Kovind later today. Also read: One negative UN vote will not affect ties with India: Netanyahu on Jerusalem Also read: Jews in India never witnessed antisemitism like in some other countries: Netanyahu

Israeli PM Netanyahu invites Modi to yoga class

<p>The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) in the country have got more autonomy in their functioning with restricted government&#39;s role in their functioning and power to award degrees instead of diplomas to their graduates, according to a new law.</p>

<p>President Ram Nath Kovind gave assent to the Indian Institutes of Management Bill, 2017, on Sunday, and it has now become a law.</p>

<p>The new law, which was passed in the Lok Sabha in July, 2017 and by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajya-sabha-passes-bill-to-grant-more-autonomy-to-iims-27215">Rajya Sabha</a> on December 19 -- grants statutory powers to the IIMs in their running, including the appointment of directors and faculty members.</p>

<p>The Indian Institute of Management Act, 2017, gives the IIMs powers to award degrees instead of postgraduate diplomas.</p>

<p>&quot;The bill offers autonomy to these institutes. Through this bill we will remove all interference of the government, bureaucracy in the functioning of the IIMs. They will themselves decide how to manage and run these premier institutes,&quot; HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar had said while initiating a discussion on Rajya Sabha last month.</p>

<p>As per the provisions of the Act, the Board of Governors of each institute shall be the principal executive body comprising up to 19 members.</p>

<p>It will consist a chairperson from amongst eminent persons distinguished in the field of industry or education or science or technology or management or public administration, to be appointed by the board; one nominee of the central government having charge of the management education or his representative and a nominee of the respective state government or representative of such nominees, within whose territorial jurisdiction the institute is located.</p>

<p>The Board of Governors will appoint the Director of each IIM, who will be the Chief Executive Officer of the institute.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


IIMs in the country has got more autonomy in their functioning with restricted government's role in their functioning and power to award degrees instead of diplomas to their graduates, according to a new law

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) in the country have got more autonomy in their functioning with restricted government's role in their functioning and power to award degrees instead of diplomas to their graduates, according to a new law. President Ram Nath Kovind gave assent to the Indian Institutes of Management Bill, 2017, on Sunday, and it has now become a law. The new law, which was passed in the Lok Sabha in July, 2017 and by Rajya Sabha on December 19 -- grants statutory powers to the IIMs in their running, including the appointment of directors and faculty members. The Indian Institute of Management Act, 2017, gives the IIMs powers to award degrees instead of postgraduate diplomas. "The bill offers autonomy to these institutes. Through this bill we will remove all interference of the government, bureaucracy in the functioning of the IIMs. They will themselves decide how to manage and run these premier institutes," HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar had said while initiating a discussion on Rajya Sabha last month. As per the provisions of the Act, the Board of Governors of each institute shall be the principal executive body comprising up to 19 members. It will consist a chairperson from amongst eminent persons distinguished in the field of industry or education or science or technology or management or public administration, to be appointed by the board; one nominee of the central government having charge of the management education or his representative and a nominee of the respective state government or representative of such nominees, within whose territorial jurisdiction the institute is located. The Board of Governors will appoint the Director of each IIM, who will be the Chief Executive Officer of the institute.

IIMs can now award degrees instead of diplomas

<p>President Ram Nath Kovind said today that it was critical not to disturb the fraternity of separation of powers and maintain a &quot;delicate balance&quot; while exploring the relationship between the judiciary, the executive, and the legislature as they are all equal. The three organs of the state should be conscious of their liberty and strive to protect their autonomy, he said.</p>

<p>However, they should be careful about not disturbing the fraternity of separation of powers &quot;by even unknowingly intruding into the domain of either of the two other branches&quot;, the president said.</p>

<p>&quot;It is critical to keep this intricate and delicate balance in mind when exploring the relationship between the three branches of the state - that is, the judiciary, the legislature and the executive. They are all equal,&quot; Kovind said while inaugurating the function organised by the Supreme Court here to celebrate the Constitution Day.</p>

<p>He said the Constitution is &quot;not static but is a living document&quot; and the sobriety and discretion in communication between these three branches of the state is extremely advisable.</p>

<p>&quot;This will promote and enhance fraternity between three equal branches of the state, all of which have a certain responsibility to the Constitution. It will also reassure the ordinary citizen that the Constitution is safe - and in mature hands,&quot; the president said.</p>

<p>He also emphasised that high courts across the country need to take up the task of quickly providing certified translated copies of judgements to the litigants in local and regional languages.</p>

<p>&quot;Even the hearings in court, if possible, have to be in a language that is understandable to the ordinary litigant. The process of case disposal too has to be made faster,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>The president also said that it was upon the higher judiciary to mentor and encourage the lower judiciary and in this process, the cooperation of state governments was very much necessary.</p>

<p>He said it was for the state governments to ensure that the judges of the district and subordinate courts were not denied their due perquisites and facilities and high courts should urge the subordinate courts to be more efficient and conclude cases faster.</p>

<p>&quot;I am glad to note, some high courts are taking steps in these directions. As of June 30, 2017, there were about 76,000 old cases, pending for five years or more, in sessions and district courts under the High Court of Jharkhand. The High Court has set a target of March 31, 2018, to dispose off almost half these cases,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>He also referred to the initiative of the Chhattisgarh High Court in setting a deadline of April 30, 2018, for the subordinate courts to dispose off cases pending for over 10 years and September 30 next year deadline for disposing cases pending for between five and 10 years.</p>

<p>&quot;The High Court of Chhattisgarh has also started to make provision for availability of Hindi versions of judgements and orders. I commend these initiatives. I am sure other high courts are also moving ahead with a similar sense of public service,&quot; Kovind said.</p>

<p>He said that Constitution is not just an abstract ideal and it has to be made meaningful to the lives of ordinary people in every street, every village and every &#39;mohalla&#39; of the country.</p>

<p>Delivering a lecture on &#39;constitutional value&#39; at the function, former Chief Justice of India R C Lahoti referred to the historical events related to framing of the Constitution.</p>

<p>He said that the Constitution is the &quot;religion of all the religions&quot;.</p>

<p>Referring to the judiciary, the ex-CJI said that while other organs of the state may afford to fail and falter, the judiciary cannot &quot;afford to fail&quot;.</p>

<p>However, he also had a word of caution for the judiciary and said that it should not take upon the role of the executive and the legislature while discharging judicial functions as a &quot;judge is always on trial&quot;.</p>


President Ram Nath Kovind said that the Constitution was the 'religion of all religions', while inaugurating the function organized by the Supreme Court

President Ram Nath Kovind said today that it was critical not to disturb the fraternity of separation of powers and maintain a "delicate balance" while exploring the relationship between the judiciary, the executive, and the legislature as they are all equal. The three organs of the state should be conscious of their liberty and strive to protect their autonomy, he said. However, they should be careful about not disturbing the fraternity of separation of powers "by even unknowingly intruding into the domain of either of the two other branches", the president said. "It is critical to keep this intricate and delicate balance in mind when exploring the relationship between the three branches of the state - that is, the judiciary, the legislature and the executive. They are all equal," Kovind said while inaugurating the function organised by the Supreme Court here to celebrate the Constitution Day. He said the Constitution is "not static but is a living document" and the sobriety and discretion in communication between these three branches of the state is extremely advisable. "This will promote and enhance fraternity between three equal branches of the state, all of which have a certain responsibility to the Constitution. It will also reassure the ordinary citizen that the Constitution is safe - and in mature hands," the president said. He also emphasised that high courts across the country need to take up the task of quickly providing certified translated copies of judgements to the litigants in local and regional languages. "Even the hearings in court, if possible, have to be in a language that is understandable to the ordinary litigant. The process of case disposal too has to be made faster," he said. The president also said that it was upon the higher judiciary to mentor and encourage the lower judiciary and in this process, the cooperation of state governments was very much necessary. He said it was for the state governments to ensure that the judges of the district and subordinate courts were not denied their due perquisites and facilities and high courts should urge the subordinate courts to be more efficient and conclude cases faster. "I am glad to note, some high courts are taking steps in these directions. As of June 30, 2017, there were about 76,000 old cases, pending for five years or more, in sessions and district courts under the High Court of Jharkhand. The High Court has set a target of March 31, 2018, to dispose off almost half these cases," he said. He also referred to the initiative of the Chhattisgarh High Court in setting a deadline of April 30, 2018, for the subordinate courts to dispose off cases pending for over 10 years and September 30 next year deadline for disposing cases pending for between five and 10 years. "The High Court of Chhattisgarh has also started to make provision for availability of Hindi versions of judgements and orders. I commend these initiatives. I am sure other high courts are also moving ahead with a similar sense of public service," Kovind said. He said that Constitution is not just an abstract ideal and it has to be made meaningful to the lives of ordinary people in every street, every village and every 'mohalla' of the country. Delivering a lecture on 'constitutional value' at the function, former Chief Justice of India R C Lahoti referred to the historical events related to framing of the Constitution. He said that the Constitution is the "religion of all the religions". Referring to the judiciary, the ex-CJI said that while other organs of the state may afford to fail and falter, the judiciary cannot "afford to fail". However, he also had a word of caution for the judiciary and said that it should not take upon the role of the executive and the legislature while discharging judicial functions as a "judge is always on trial".

Critical not to disturb the fraternity of separation of powers: Ram Nath Kovind on Constitution Day

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-condemns-release-of-hafiz-saeed-calls-for-immediate-re-arrest-25136">US</a></strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-condemns-release-of-hafiz-saeed-calls-for-immediate-re-arrest-25136"><strong> condemns release of Hafiz Saeed, calls for immediate re-arrest</strong></a></p>

<p>Unites States has strongly condemned the release of 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed from house arrest and called for his immediate re-arrest and prosecution. &nbsp;Donald Trump&#39;s South Asia policy clearly states that the US seeks to build deeper relations with Pakistan but also expects sound decisions against militant and terrorist groups on Pakistani land that can pose a threat to the world. &nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/security-strengthened-in-mumbai-on-9th-anniversary-of-mumbai-terror-attacks-25140"><strong>Security beefed up in Mumbai on terror attack anniversary</strong></a></p>

<p>As Mumbai marks the ninth anniversary of the deadly 26/11 terror attacks, the city police are leaving no stone unturned to maintain peace and security in the city. &nbsp;The police have barricaded all areas and are inspecting every vehicle passing by.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pradyuman-murder-pradyuman-family-to-challenge-bail-granted-to-pinto-family-25137"><strong>Pradyuman murder: Pradyuman&#39;s father to challenge bail to Pinto family</strong></a></p>

<p>Pradyuman Thakur&#39;s father Vikas Thakur to approach the Supreme court against the bail granted to Pinto family by Punjab and Haryana high court.Thakur said that he would file an application in the Supreme Court (SC) on Monday.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-address-nation-on-38th-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-congress-leader-takes-a-dig-25141"><strong>&#39;Gandhi also was a great believer in &#39;</strong></a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-address-nation-on-38th-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-congress-leader-takes-a-dig-25141"><strong>mann</strong></a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-address-nation-on-38th-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-congress-leader-takes-a-dig-25141"><strong> ki </strong></a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-address-nation-on-38th-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-congress-leader-takes-a-dig-25141"><strong>baat</strong></a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-address-nation-on-38th-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-congress-leader-takes-a-dig-25141"><strong>&#39;, but her &#39;</strong></a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-address-nation-on-38th-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-congress-leader-takes-a-dig-25141"><strong>mann</strong></a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-address-nation-on-38th-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-congress-leader-takes-a-dig-25141"><strong> ki </strong></a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-address-nation-on-38th-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-congress-leader-takes-a-dig-25141"><strong>baat</strong></a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-address-nation-on-38th-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-congress-leader-takes-a-dig-25141"><strong>&#39; was listening &#39;</strong></a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-address-nation-on-38th-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-congress-leader-takes-a-dig-25141"><strong>mann</strong></a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-address-nation-on-38th-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-congress-leader-takes-a-dig-25141"><strong> ki </strong></a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-address-nation-on-38th-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-congress-leader-takes-a-dig-25141"><strong>baat</strong></a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-address-nation-on-38th-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-congress-leader-takes-a-dig-25141"><strong>&#39;: Jairam Ramesh</strong></a></p>

<p>Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday took a dig at Modi saying that former prime minister Indira Gandhi was a &#39;strong believer in Mann Ki Baat as she would listen to peoples voice and not preach.&#39;Ramesh also said that Ms Gandhi ensured that she followed her &#39;mann ki baat&#39; and executed it in a rightful manner. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on the &#39;Mann Ki Baat&#39; on Sunday morning.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/less-representation-of-weaker-sections-in-high-courts-supreme-court-president-kovind-25131"><strong>Less representation of weaker sections in high courts, Supreme Court: President Kovind</strong></a></p>

<p>Indian President Ram Nath Kovind has expressed concern over the less representation of woman and traditionally weaker sections in high courts and the Supreme Court.The President was speaking at the inaugural function of the two-day meet organised jointly by the Law Commission and Niti Aayog on the National Law Day.</p>


US condemns release of Hafiz Saeed, calls for immediate re-arrest Unites States has strongly condemned the release of 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed from house arrest and called for his immediate re-arrest and prosecution. Donald Trump's South Asia policy clearly states that the US seeks to build deeper relations with Pakistan but also expects sound decisions against militant and terrorist groups on Pakistani land that can pose a threat to the world. Security beefed up in Mumbai on terror attack anniversary As Mumbai marks the ninth anniversary of the deadly 26/11 terror attacks, the city police are leaving no stone unturned to maintain peace and security in the city. The police have barricaded all areas and are inspecting every vehicle passing by. Pradyuman murder: Pradyuman's father to challenge bail to Pinto family Pradyuman Thakur's father Vikas Thakur to approach the Supreme court against the bail granted to Pinto family by Punjab and Haryana high court.Thakur said that he would file an application in the Supreme Court (SC) on Monday. 'Gandhi also was a great believer in 'mann ki baat', but her 'mann ki baat' was listening 'mann ki baat': Jairam Ramesh Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday took a dig at Modi saying that former prime minister Indira Gandhi was a 'strong believer in Mann Ki Baat as she would listen to peoples voice and not preach.'Ramesh also said that Ms Gandhi ensured that she followed her 'mann ki baat' and executed it in a rightful manner. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on the 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday morning. Less representation of weaker sections in high courts, Supreme Court: President Kovind Indian President Ram Nath Kovind has expressed concern over the less representation of woman and traditionally weaker sections in high courts and the Supreme Court.The President was speaking at the inaugural function of the two-day meet organised jointly by the Law Commission and Niti Aayog on the National Law Day.

WION Morning News Brief, November 26, 2017

<p>President Ram Nath&nbsp;Kovind&#39;s&nbsp;mention of the 18th century Mysore ruler, Tipu Sultan, in his address to the joint session of the Karnataka legislature on Wednesday triggered a political slugfest between the ruling Congress and opposition BJP.</p>

<p>The development comes amid a raging controversy over the state government celebrating the birth anniversary of the Mysore ruler on November 10. The move has been opposed tooth and nail by the BJP which sees Tipu Sultan as a `religious bigot&#39; and a &#39;brutal killer&#39;.</p>

<p>&#39;Tipu Sultan died a heroic death fighting the British. He was also a pioneer in the development and use of Mysore rockets in warfare. This technology was later adopted by the Europeans,&#39; Kovind said while noting that Karnataka is a land of formidable soldiers.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to Hon. President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind for a statesman like address to the Karnataka legislature. <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rashtrapatibhvn</a></p>
&mdash; Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/923089208901648386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The president&#39;s reference to Tipu Sultan came after he noted the contributions of various historical figures of Karnataka, including Krishnadevaraya who was the emperor of the Vijayanagara empire from 1509 to 1529.</p>

<p>As the president made the reference about the&nbsp;18th-century&nbsp;ruler in his speech to commemorate the diamond jubilee of Vidhana Soudha, the seat of the state&nbsp;legislature, the Congress members cheered by thumping on the desks.</p>

<p>Tipu was a ruler of the erstwhile kingdom of Mysore. He was considered an implacable enemy of the British East India Company. He was killed in May 1799 while defending his fort of Srirangapatna against the British forces.</p>

<p>Opposition BJP and some outfits are opposed to Tipu Jayanti celebrations and have called hin &quot;religious bigot&quot;, &quot;fanatic&quot; and &quot;anti-Kannada&quot;.</p>

<p>Tipu Sultan is also viewed in a negative light in Kodagu district of the state where he is alleged to have persecuted the local Kodava population, as also the Roman Catholics of Mangaluru, on religious grounds and forced conversion to Islam.</p>

<p>Hitting out at the state government, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council KS Eshwarappa alleged that the government has &quot;misused&quot; the office of the president by getting Tipu&#39;s name mentioned in the speech.</p>

<p>&#39;I condemn it....It is an insult done to people of Karnataka by the state government. If we had raised objections when the president&nbsp;mentioned Tipu, it would have led to the violation&nbsp;of protocol...,&#39;&nbsp;he added.</p>

<p>Reacting to the allegations, state Congress working president Dinesh Gundu Rao said the BJP should be &quot;ashamed.&quot;</p>

<p>He&nbsp;said&nbsp;&#39;by trying to say that president has just read out a speech written by somebody, they are insulting the office of the president and the president.&#39;</p>

<p>Suggesting that the speech was prepared by president&#39;s office after collecting inputs from various sources, Rao said &#39;...Such allegations show the state of mind the BJP leaders are in.&#39;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&#39;Congratulations to Hon. President of India Shri Ram? Nath Kovind for a&nbsp;statesmanlike&nbsp;address&nbsp;to the Karnataka? legislature. @rashtrapatibhvn,&#39;&nbsp;Chief Minister Siddaramaiah tweeted.</p>

<p>Recently, Union minister Anantkumar Hegde had stirred a hornet&#39;s nest after he requested the Karnataka government not to include his name in programme invitations for Tipu Jayanti celebrations.</p>

<p>&quot;(I have) conveyed (to) Karnataka government not to invite me to the shameful event of glorifying a person known as a brutal killer, wretched&nbsp;fanatic, and mass rapist,&quot; Hegde had said in a tweet.</p>

<p>The Siddaramaiah-led government is all set to celebrate Tipu Jayanti despite widespread protests and violence that had marred the celebrations in the last two years.</p>


'Tipu Sultan died a heroic death fighting the British. He was also a pioneer in the development and use of Mysore rockets in warfare. This technology was later adopted by the Europeans,' Kovind said

President Ram Nath Kovind's mention of the 18th century Mysore ruler, Tipu Sultan, in his address to the joint session of the Karnataka legislature on Wednesday triggered a political slugfest between the ruling Congress and opposition BJP. The development comes amid a raging controversy over the state government celebrating the birth anniversary of the Mysore ruler on November 10. The move has been opposed tooth and nail by the BJP which sees Tipu Sultan as a `religious bigot' and a 'brutal killer'. 'Tipu Sultan died a heroic death fighting the British. He was also a pioneer in the development and use of Mysore rockets in warfare. This technology was later adopted by the Europeans,' Kovind said while noting that Karnataka is a land of formidable soldiers. Congratulations to Hon. President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind for a statesman like address to the Karnataka legislature. @rashtrapatibhvn — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) October 25, 2017 × The president's reference to Tipu Sultan came after he noted the contributions of various historical figures of Karnataka, including Krishnadevaraya who was the emperor of the Vijayanagara empire from 1509 to 1529. As the president made the reference about the 18th-century ruler in his speech to commemorate the diamond jubilee of Vidhana Soudha, the seat of the state legislature, the Congress members cheered by thumping on the desks. Tipu was a ruler of the erstwhile kingdom of Mysore. He was considered an implacable enemy of the British East India Company. He was killed in May 1799 while defending his fort of Srirangapatna against the British forces. Opposition BJP and some outfits are opposed to Tipu Jayanti celebrations and have called hin "religious bigot", "fanatic" and "anti-Kannada". Tipu Sultan is also viewed in a negative light in Kodagu district of the state where he is alleged to have persecuted the local Kodava population, as also the Roman Catholics of Mangaluru, on religious grounds and forced conversion to Islam. Hitting out at the state government, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council KS Eshwarappa alleged that the government has "misused" the office of the president by getting Tipu's name mentioned in the speech. 'I condemn it....It is an insult done to people of Karnataka by the state government. If we had raised objections when the president mentioned Tipu, it would have led to the violation of protocol...,' he added. Reacting to the allegations, state Congress working president Dinesh Gundu Rao said the BJP should be "ashamed." He said 'by trying to say that president has just read out a speech written by somebody, they are insulting the office of the president and the president.' Suggesting that the speech was prepared by president's office after collecting inputs from various sources, Rao said '...Such allegations show the state of mind the BJP leaders are in.' 'Congratulations to Hon. President of India Shri Ram? Nath Kovind for a statesmanlike address to the Karnataka? legislature. @rashtrapatibhvn,' Chief Minister Siddaramaiah tweeted. Recently, Union minister Anantkumar Hegde had stirred a hornet's nest after he requested the Karnataka government not to include his name in programme invitations for Tipu Jayanti celebrations. "(I have) conveyed (to) Karnataka government not to invite me to the shameful event of glorifying a person known as a brutal killer, wretched fanatic, and mass rapist," Hegde had said in a tweet. The Siddaramaiah-led government is all set to celebrate Tipu Jayanti despite widespread protests and violence that had marred the celebrations in the last two years.

Tipu Sultan died a hero, says President Kovind; Congress & BJP fight

<p>Army chief General Bipin Rawat has said Kashmir is being radicalised, and that the Army is addressing it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He blamed social media for the problem.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Radicalization is taking place, it is a worldwide phenomenon &amp; we are addressing it seriously: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat in Jammu <a href="https://t.co/H1TrZFz0P8">pic.twitter.com/H1TrZFz0P8</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/921623276132040704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">J&amp;K govt,Police&amp;administration are concerned;trying to ensure ppl are weaned away; happening due to social media-ArmyChief on radicalization</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/921624273516511232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;J&amp;K government, police and administration are concerned; trying to ensure people are weaned away,&quot; ANI reported Rawat as saying.</p>

<p>&quot;Happening due to social media,&quot; Rawat said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added however that the situation in Kashmir is improving, saying &quot;what is happening&quot; only shows the &quot;frustration of terrorists&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There have been a number of militants gunned down in Kashmir in recent months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the same time, the number of attacks on security forces, infiltration attempts across the border, and the number of casualties amongst the security forces have also gone up.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As have reports of locals pelting stones at security forces as they take on militants.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kashmiris-who-support-terrorists-will-be-considered-anti-national-indian-army-chief-12443" target="_blank">Also read -- Kashmiris who support terrorists will be considered anti-national: Indian Army chief</a></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cannot-tell-my-men-just-wait-and-die-when-people-throwing-stones-petrol-bombs-indian-army-chief-16147" target="_blank">Also read -- Cannot tell my men &#39;just wait and die&#39; when people throwing stones, petrol bombs: Indian Army Chief</a></p>

<p>Rawat was speaking in Jammu, where he presented the President&#39;s Standard to the 47 Armoured Regiment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rawat said the Army was following the government&#39;s approach in Kashmir and that the NIA raids were a part of that.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Whatever success it (the NIA raids) achieved will emerge in future,&quot; Rawat added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In Kashmir we are following govt approach &amp; NIA raids is part of it, whatever success it achieved will emerge in future: Army Chief in Jammu <a href="https://t.co/CpWJNg4Yrx">pic.twitter.com/CpWJNg4Yrx</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/921621755369631744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Military has a task &amp; we will continue to perform that task, decision on any talks has to be decided politically: Army Chief on Pakistan <a href="https://t.co/Wp3DZkabkQ">pic.twitter.com/Wp3DZkabkQ</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/921622456703500288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nia-arrests-seven-separatists-in-kashmir-in-terror-funding-case-18235" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;NIA arrests seven Hurriyat separatists in Kashmir in terror funding case</a></p>

<p>He also added that the Army had a task to perform and that it would continue to do so.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


'J&K government, police and administration are concerned; trying to ensure people are weaned away,' Rawat said

Army chief General Bipin Rawat has said Kashmir is being radicalised, and that the Army is addressing it. He blamed social media for the problem. Radicalization is taking place, it is a worldwide phenomenon & we are addressing it seriously: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat in Jammu pic.twitter.com/H1TrZFz0P8 — ANI (@ANI) October 21, 2017 × J&K govt,Police&administration are concerned;trying to ensure ppl are weaned away; happening due to social media-ArmyChief on radicalization — ANI (@ANI) October 21, 2017 × "J&K government, police and administration are concerned; trying to ensure people are weaned away," ANI reported Rawat as saying. "Happening due to social media," Rawat said. He added however that the situation in Kashmir is improving, saying "what is happening" only shows the "frustration of terrorists". There have been a number of militants gunned down in Kashmir in recent months. At the same time, the number of attacks on security forces, infiltration attempts across the border, and the number of casualties amongst the security forces have also gone up. As have reports of locals pelting stones at security forces as they take on militants. Also read -- Kashmiris who support terrorists will be considered anti-national: Indian Army chief Also read -- Cannot tell my men 'just wait and die' when people throwing stones, petrol bombs: Indian Army Chief Rawat was speaking in Jammu, where he presented the President's Standard to the 47 Armoured Regiment. Rawat said the Army was following the government's approach in Kashmir and that the NIA raids were a part of that. "Whatever success it (the NIA raids) achieved will emerge in future," Rawat added. In Kashmir we are following govt approach & NIA raids is part of it, whatever success it achieved will emerge in future: Army Chief in Jammu pic.twitter.com/CpWJNg4Yrx — ANI (@ANI) October 21, 2017 × Military has a task & we will continue to perform that task, decision on any talks has to be decided politically: Army Chief on Pakistan pic.twitter.com/Wp3DZkabkQ — ANI (@ANI) October 21, 2017 × Also read: NIA arrests seven Hurriyat separatists in Kashmir in terror funding case He also added that the Army had a task to perform and that it would continue to do so.

Army chief blames radicalisation in Kashmir on social media

<p>President Ram Nath Kovind appointed five new governors on Saturday with Brig&nbsp;(Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) taking over as governor of Arunachal Pradesh.</p>

<p>Banwarilal Purohit was appointed governor of Tamil Nadu, and Satya Pal Malik as governor of Bihar.</p>

<p>Professor Jagdish Mukhi was appointed governor of Assam, and Ganga Prasad governor of Meghalaya.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In addition, Admiral (Retd) DK Joshi was made lieutenant governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.&nbsp;</p>


In addition, Admiral (Retd) DK Joshi was made LG of Andaman and Nicobar

President Ram Nath Kovind appointed five new governors on Saturday with Brig (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) taking over as governor of Arunachal Pradesh. Banwarilal Purohit was appointed governor of Tamil Nadu, and Satya Pal Malik as governor of Bihar. Professor Jagdish Mukhi was appointed governor of Assam, and Ganga Prasad governor of Meghalaya. In addition, Admiral (Retd) DK Joshi was made lieutenant governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Five states get new governors

<p>Ram Nath Kovind was sworn-in as the 14th President of India in Indian capital New Delhi today.</p>

<p>Born on October 1, 1945, &nbsp;President Kovind- &nbsp;who hails from a village in Uttar Pradesh -&nbsp;had to walk 8 kms each day to attend school in a neighbouring village.</p>

<p>A previously low-profile politician, the soft spoken Dalit leader spoke of his humble beginnings in his first speech after taking oath - he is only the second Dalit after&nbsp;KR Narayanan to assume India&#39;s highest public office.</p>

<p>&quot;I grew up in a mud house, in a small village. My journey has been a long one, and yet this journey is hardly mine alone,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;&quot;My election as President of India is to represent all such Kovinds toiling away to make a living,&quot; Kovind said on the day he was elected.</p>

<p>&quot;I bow to the (1.25 billion) citizens of this great nation and promise to stay true to the trust they have bestowed on me,&quot; Kovind said in Parliament&#39;s central hall.</p>

<p>His political career began in 1977 as an aide to prime minister Morarji Desai during the Janata government&#39;s rule.</p>

<p>The 72-year-old was twice elected to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh - from 1994 to 2000 and from 2000-2006. The party also tried to project him as an alternative to Dalit leader and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati in the state.</p>

<p>His appointment is being viewed as a move to consolidate the Dalit vote for the BJP ahead of the 2019&nbsp;general elections.</p>

<p>He is also a member of the Hindu nationalist organisation, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).</p>

<p>In 2002, Ram Nath Kovind represented India at the United Nations and addressed the UN General Assembly.</p>

<p>Ram Nath Kovind, who was appointed as the Governor of Bihar in 2015, resigned from the post after his presidential nomination.</p>

<p>A lawyer by profession, Ram Nath Kovind practised in the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court for about 16 years till 1993. He enrolled as an advocate in 1971 with the Bar Council of Delhi and became the Advocate-on-Record at the top court in 1978.</p>

<p>As an advocate he reportedly provided free legal aid to the underprivileged and women under the New Delhi&#39;s Free Legal Aid Society.<br />
<br />
He was the BJP&#39;s Scheduled Caste Morcha chief from 1998 till 2002 and has also served as the party&#39;s national spokesperson from&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mr &nbsp;Kovind was also a member of the management board at Lucknow&#39;s BR Ambedkar University, and of the board of governors at the Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata.</p>

<p>Ram Nath Kovind is married to Savita Kovind. They have a son Prashant Kumar, and a daughter, Swati.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


A brief sketch of President Ram Nath Kovind's political career so far

Ram Nath Kovind was sworn-in as the 14th President of India in Indian capital New Delhi today. Born on October 1, 1945, President Kovind- who hails from a village in Uttar Pradesh - had to walk 8 kms each day to attend school in a neighbouring village. A previously low-profile politician, the soft spoken Dalit leader spoke of his humble beginnings in his first speech after taking oath - he is only the second Dalit after KR Narayanan to assume India's highest public office. "I grew up in a mud house, in a small village. My journey has been a long one, and yet this journey is hardly mine alone," he said. "My election as President of India is to represent all such Kovinds toiling away to make a living," Kovind said on the day he was elected. "I bow to the (1.25 billion) citizens of this great nation and promise to stay true to the trust they have bestowed on me," Kovind said in Parliament's central hall. His political career began in 1977 as an aide to prime minister Morarji Desai during the Janata government's rule. The 72-year-old was twice elected to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh - from 1994 to 2000 and from 2000-2006. The party also tried to project him as an alternative to Dalit leader and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati in the state. His appointment is being viewed as a move to consolidate the Dalit vote for the BJP ahead of the 2019 general elections. He is also a member of the Hindu nationalist organisation, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). In 2002, Ram Nath Kovind represented India at the United Nations and addressed the UN General Assembly. Ram Nath Kovind, who was appointed as the Governor of Bihar in 2015, resigned from the post after his presidential nomination. A lawyer by profession, Ram Nath Kovind practised in the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court for about 16 years till 1993. He enrolled as an advocate in 1971 with the Bar Council of Delhi and became the Advocate-on-Record at the top court in 1978. As an advocate he reportedly provided free legal aid to the underprivileged and women under the New Delhi's Free Legal Aid Society. He was the BJP's Scheduled Caste Morcha chief from 1998 till 2002 and has also served as the party's national spokesperson from Mr Kovind was also a member of the management board at Lucknow's BR Ambedkar University, and of the board of governors at the Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata. Ram Nath Kovind is married to Savita Kovind. They have a son Prashant Kumar, and a daughter, Swati.

BJP had thought of Kovind as alternative to Mayawati in UP

<p>In his address to Parliament <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ram-nath-kovind-sworn-in-as-indias-14th-president-18267">after taking oath as India&#39;s 14th president</a>, Ram Nath Kovind spoke of the need for building an India that is an &quot;economic leader as well as a moral exemplar.&quot;</p>

<p>He also said every Indian was a nation builder be it the armed forces, police personnel, scientists, tribals, citizens, &quot;the farmer toiling in the blazing sun, the tribal and ordinary citizen striving to preserve our ecology, the self-less teacher who equips young children and shapes their destinies, and the countless women who take care of families with so many other responsibilities&quot;.</p>

<p><strong>Read the entire speech here</strong></p>

<p>Respected Shri Pranab Mukherjee ji, Shri Hamid Ansari ji, Shri Narendra Modi ji, Shrimati Sumitra Mahajan ji, Shri Justice JS Khehar ji, Excellencies, Hon&rsquo;ble Members of Parliament, Ladies and Gentlemen, and Fellow Citizens</p>

<p>I thank you for electing me to the responsibility of the President of India, and I enter this office with all humility. Coming here to Central Hall has brought back so many memories. I have been a Member of Parliament and here, in this very Central Hall, have had discussions with many of you. Often we agreed, sometimes we disagreed. But we learnt to respect each other. And that is the beauty of democracy.</p>

<p>I grew up in a mud house, in a small village. My journey has been a long one, and yet this journey is hardly mine alone. It is so telling of our nation and our society also. For all its problems, it follows that basic mantra given to us in the Preamble to the Constitution &ndash; of ensuring Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity and I will always continue to follow this basic mantra.</p>

<p>I bow to the 125 crore citizens of this great nation and promise to stay true to the trust they have bestowed on me. I am conscious I am following in the footsteps of stalwarts such as Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Dr S Radhakrishnan, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, and my immediate predecessor, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, whom we address out of affection as &#39;Pranab Da&#39;.</p>

<p>Our Independence was the result of efforts by thousands of patriotic freedom fighters led by Mahatma Gandhi. Later, Sardar Patel integrated our nation. Principal architect of our Constitution Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar instilled in us the value of human dignity and of the republican ethic.</p>

<p>These leaders did not believe that simply political freedom was enough. For them, it was crucial to also achieve economic and social freedom for millions of our people.</p>

<p>We would be completing 70 years of our Independence soon. We are also well into the second decade of the 21st century, a century that so many of us intuitively believe will be an Indian century, guided and shaped by India and its accomplishments. We need to build an India that is an economic leader as well as a moral exemplar. For us, those two touchstones can never be separate. They are and must forever be linked.</p>

<p>The key to India&rsquo;s success is its diversity. Our diversity is the core that makes us so unique. In this land we find a mix of states and regions, religions, languages, cultures, lifestyles and much more. We are so different and yet so similar and united.</p>

<p>The India of the 21st century will be one that is in conformity with our ancient values as well as compliant with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. There is no dichotomy there, no question of choice. We must combine tradition and technology, the wisdom of an age-old Bharat and the science of a contemporary India.</p>

<p>As the gram panchayat must determine our consultative and community based problem solving, the Digital Republic must help us leapfrog developmental milestones. These are the twin pillars of our national endeavour.</p>

<p>Nations are not built by governments alone. The government can at best be a facilitator, and a trigger for society&rsquo;s innate entrepreneurial and creative instincts. Nation building requires national pride:</p>

<p>We take pride in the soil and water of India. We take pride in the diversity, religious harmony and inclusive ethos of India. We take pride in the culture, heritage and spirituality of India. We take pride in our fellow citizens. We take pride in our work and we take pride in the little things we do every day.</p>

<p>Each citizen of India is a nation builder. Each one of us is a custodian of India&rsquo;s well-being and of the legacy that we will pass on to coming generations. The armed forces that protect our borders and keep us safe are nation builders. Those police and paramilitary forces that fight terrorism and crime are nation builders. That farmer toiling in the blazing sun to feed fellow citizens is a nation builder. And we must never forget that so much of our farm labour comprises women.</p>

<p>That scientist concentrating tirelessly and 24 x 7 to send an Indian space mission to Mars, or invent a vaccine, is a nation builder. That nurse or doctor helping the sick to recover and fighting disease in a remote village, is a nation builder. That young person who founds a start-up and becomes a job creator is a nation builder. The start-up could be on a small farm, converting mangoes to pickles. Or in an artisans&rsquo; village, weaving carpets. Or at a laboratory lit up by giant screens.</p>

<p>That tribal and ordinary citizen striving to preserve our ecology, our forests, our wildlife, to push back climate change and to advance the cause of renewable energy, is a nation builder. That committed and driven public servant who works beyond the call of duty, whether on a flooded road, directing traffic; or in a quiet room, poring over detailed files, is a nation builder.</p>

<p>That self-less teacher who equips young children and shapes their destinies, is a nation builder. Those countless women who take care of families with so many other responsibilities, at home and work, and raise children to become ideal citizens, are nation builders.</p>

<p>People elect their representatives from the Gram Panchayat to Parliament. They vest their will and hopes in these representatives. In turn, the people&rsquo;s representatives devote their lives to the service of nation.</p>

<p>But, our endeavours are not for ourselves alone. Down the ages, India has believed in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - the World is My Family. It is appropriate that the land of Lord Buddha should lead the world in its search for peace, tranquility and ecological balance.</p>

<p>India&rsquo;s voice counts in today&rsquo;s world. The entire planet is drawn to Indian culture and soft power. The global community looks to us for solutions to international problems &ndash; whether terrorism, money laundering or climate change. In a globalised world, our responsibilities are also global.</p>

<p>This links us to our global family, our friends and partners abroad, and our diaspora, that contributes in so many ways across the world. It brings us to the support of other nations, whether by extending the umbrella of the International Solar Alliance or being first responders following natural disasters.</p>

<p>We have achieved a lot as a nation, but the effort to do more, to do better and to do faster should be relentless. This is especially so as we approach the 75th Year of our independence in 2022. What must also bother us is our ability to enhance access and opportunity for the last person and the last girl-child from an under-privileged family if I may put it so, in the last house in the last village. This must include a quick and affordable justice delivery system in all judicial forums.</p>

<p>The citizens of this country are the real source of strength to me. I am confident that they will continue to give me the energy to serve the nation.</p>

<p>We need to sculpt a robust, high growth economy, an educated, ethical and shared community, and an egalitarian society, as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi and Deen Dayal Upadhyay ji. These are integral to our sense of humanism. This is the India of our dreams, an India that will provide equality of opportunities. This will be the India of the 21st century.</p>

<p>Thank you very much!</p>

<p>Jai Hind</p>

<p>Vande Mataram</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Ram Nath Kovind spoke of the need for building an India that is an 'economic leader as well as a moral exemplar'

In his address to Parliament after taking oath as India's 14th president, Ram Nath Kovind spoke of the need for building an India that is an "economic leader as well as a moral exemplar." He also said every Indian was a nation builder be it the armed forces, police personnel, scientists, tribals, citizens, "the farmer toiling in the blazing sun, the tribal and ordinary citizen striving to preserve our ecology, the self-less teacher who equips young children and shapes their destinies, and the countless women who take care of families with so many other responsibilities". Read the entire speech here Respected Shri Pranab Mukherjee ji, Shri Hamid Ansari ji, Shri Narendra Modi ji, Shrimati Sumitra Mahajan ji, Shri Justice JS Khehar ji, Excellencies, Hon’ble Members of Parliament, Ladies and Gentlemen, and Fellow Citizens I thank you for electing me to the responsibility of the President of India, and I enter this office with all humility. Coming here to Central Hall has brought back so many memories. I have been a Member of Parliament and here, in this very Central Hall, have had discussions with many of you. Often we agreed, sometimes we disagreed. But we learnt to respect each other. And that is the beauty of democracy. I grew up in a mud house, in a small village. My journey has been a long one, and yet this journey is hardly mine alone. It is so telling of our nation and our society also. For all its problems, it follows that basic mantra given to us in the Preamble to the Constitution – of ensuring Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity and I will always continue to follow this basic mantra. I bow to the 125 crore citizens of this great nation and promise to stay true to the trust they have bestowed on me. I am conscious I am following in the footsteps of stalwarts such as Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Dr S Radhakrishnan, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, and my immediate predecessor, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, whom we address out of affection as 'Pranab Da'. Our Independence was the result of efforts by thousands of patriotic freedom fighters led by Mahatma Gandhi. Later, Sardar Patel integrated our nation. Principal architect of our Constitution Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar instilled in us the value of human dignity and of the republican ethic. These leaders did not believe that simply political freedom was enough. For them, it was crucial to also achieve economic and social freedom for millions of our people. We would be completing 70 years of our Independence soon. We are also well into the second decade of the 21st century, a century that so many of us intuitively believe will be an Indian century, guided and shaped by India and its accomplishments. We need to build an India that is an economic leader as well as a moral exemplar. For us, those two touchstones can never be separate. They are and must forever be linked. The key to India’s success is its diversity. Our diversity is the core that makes us so unique. In this land we find a mix of states and regions, religions, languages, cultures, lifestyles and much more. We are so different and yet so similar and united. The India of the 21st century will be one that is in conformity with our ancient values as well as compliant with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. There is no dichotomy there, no question of choice. We must combine tradition and technology, the wisdom of an age-old Bharat and the science of a contemporary India. As the gram panchayat must determine our consultative and community based problem solving, the Digital Republic must help us leapfrog developmental milestones. These are the twin pillars of our national endeavour. Nations are not built by governments alone. The government can at best be a facilitator, and a trigger for society’s innate entrepreneurial and creative instincts. Nation building requires national pride: We take pride in the soil and water of India. We take pride in the diversity, religious harmony and inclusive ethos of India. We take pride in the culture, heritage and spirituality of India. We take pride in our fellow citizens. We take pride in our work and we take pride in the little things we do every day. Each citizen of India is a nation builder. Each one of us is a custodian of India’s well-being and of the legacy that we will pass on to coming generations. The armed forces that protect our borders and keep us safe are nation builders. Those police and paramilitary forces that fight terrorism and crime are nation builders. That farmer toiling in the blazing sun to feed fellow citizens is a nation builder. And we must never forget that so much of our farm labour comprises women. That scientist concentrating tirelessly and 24 x 7 to send an Indian space mission to Mars, or invent a vaccine, is a nation builder. That nurse or doctor helping the sick to recover and fighting disease in a remote village, is a nation builder. That young person who founds a start-up and becomes a job creator is a nation builder. The start-up could be on a small farm, converting mangoes to pickles. Or in an artisans’ village, weaving carpets. Or at a laboratory lit up by giant screens. That tribal and ordinary citizen striving to preserve our ecology, our forests, our wildlife, to push back climate change and to advance the cause of renewable energy, is a nation builder. That committed and driven public servant who works beyond the call of duty, whether on a flooded road, directing traffic; or in a quiet room, poring over detailed files, is a nation builder. That self-less teacher who equips young children and shapes their destinies, is a nation builder. Those countless women who take care of families with so many other responsibilities, at home and work, and raise children to become ideal citizens, are nation builders. People elect their representatives from the Gram Panchayat to Parliament. They vest their will and hopes in these representatives. In turn, the people’s representatives devote their lives to the service of nation. But, our endeavours are not for ourselves alone. Down the ages, India has believed in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - the World is My Family. It is appropriate that the land of Lord Buddha should lead the world in its search for peace, tranquility and ecological balance. India’s voice counts in today’s world. The entire planet is drawn to Indian culture and soft power. The global community looks to us for solutions to international problems – whether terrorism, money laundering or climate change. In a globalised world, our responsibilities are also global. This links us to our global family, our friends and partners abroad, and our diaspora, that contributes in so many ways across the world. It brings us to the support of other nations, whether by extending the umbrella of the International Solar Alliance or being first responders following natural disasters. We have achieved a lot as a nation, but the effort to do more, to do better and to do faster should be relentless. This is especially so as we approach the 75th Year of our independence in 2022. What must also bother us is our ability to enhance access and opportunity for the last person and the last girl-child from an under-privileged family if I may put it so, in the last house in the last village. This must include a quick and affordable justice delivery system in all judicial forums. The citizens of this country are the real source of strength to me. I am confident that they will continue to give me the energy to serve the nation. We need to sculpt a robust, high growth economy, an educated, ethical and shared community, and an egalitarian society, as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi and Deen Dayal Upadhyay ji. These are integral to our sense of humanism. This is the India of our dreams, an India that will provide equality of opportunities. This will be the India of the 21st century. Thank you very much! Jai Hind Vande Mataram

Ram Nath Kovind's first speech as president

<p>BJP&#39;s Dalit leader Ram Nath Kovind was sworn in as India&#39;s 14th president on Tuesday,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/who-is-ram-nath-kovind-indias-new-president-18263"> just the second Dalit leader to be elected head of state</a> after KR Narayanan.</p>

<p>In his<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/read-full-text-of-ram-nath-kovinds-first-speech-as-president-18269"> address to Parliament</a> after his swearing-in, the new president said he felt privileged to walk on the same path as Dr Radhakrishnan, Dr &nbsp;Abdul Kalam and Pranab Mukherjee.</p>

<p>&quot;I will stand by and represent all 125 crore fellow Indians. I understand the massive responsibility that this is. I feel privileged to walk on the same path as Dr.Radhakrishnan, Dr. Abdul Kalam and Pranab <em>da</em>. I hope to live up to that greatness,&quot; he said.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/read-full-text-of-ram-nath-kovinds-first-speech-as-president-18269">In his speech</a>, President Kovind emphasised the importance of upholding India&#39;s diversity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Coming here to central hall has brought back so many memories. I have been to this central hall and have often had discussions with many of you. We often agreed and disagreed.&nbsp;But we learnt to respect each other and that is the beauty of democracy.&quot;</p>

<p>We are different but we are one and united. These are the traditional values and there is no contradiction or alternative opinion about it.&quot;</p>

<p>The 71-year-old president, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, said he had been brought up in a mud-built house in a small village in the state.</p>

<p>&quot;I am thankful to you all for giving me the responsibility to be the President of India... I come from a humble background. The journey has been long.</p>

<p>I grew up in a mud house, in a small village. My journey has been a long one, and yet this journey is hardly mine alone. It is so telling of our nation and our society also. For all its problems, it follows that basic mantra given to us in the Preamble to the Constitution &ndash; of ensuring Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity and I will always continue to follow this basic mantra,&quot;&nbsp; Mr Kovind said in his address.</p>

<p>He said that while the 21st century would be an Indian century, there was a need to build India as a &quot;moral exemplar&quot; and of combining tradition and technology.</p>

<p>&quot;We would be completing 70 years of our Independence soon. We are also well into the second decade of the 21st century, a century that so many of us intuitively believe will be an Indian century, guided and shaped by India and its accomplishments. We need to build an India that is an economic leader as well as a moral exemplar. For us, those two touchstones can never be separate. They are and must forever be linked,&quot; Ram Nath Kovind said.</p>

<p>&quot;The India of the 21st century will be one that is in conformity with our ancient values as well as compliant with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. There is no dichotomy there, no question of choice. We must combine tradition and technology, the wisdom of an age-old Bharat and the science of a contemporary India,&quot; President Kovind said.</p>

<p>Citing the examples of Mahatma Gandhi and Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader Deen Dayal Upadhyay, President Kovind stressed on the need for building an egalitarian society.</p>

<p>&quot;We need to sculpt a robust, high growth economy, an educated, ethical and shared community, and an egalitarian society, as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi and Deen Dayal Upadhyay ji. These are integral to our sense of humanism. This is the India of our dreams, an India that will provide equality of opportunities. This will be the India of the 21st century,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>After his address in Parliament, President Kovind was given a guard of honour at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. He was then given a tour of the&nbsp;Raisina Hill residence by outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee.</p>

<p>The new President subsequently left for 10, Rajaji Marg, the new residence of Pranab Mukherjee and the received former President there.</p>

<p>Accompanied by his wife, President Kovind paid his respects at Mahatma Gandhi&#39;s memorial Rajghat in the Indian capital before proceeding to Parliament&#39;s Central Hall for his swearing-in ceremony.</p>

<p>He was driven&nbsp;to Parliament in a ceremonial horse-drawn chariot.</p>

<p>A former lawyer and governor of Bihar, Kovind won the presidency after defeating Opposition&#39;s Meira Kumar, garnering more than 65 per cent of the vote of lawmakers of Parliament and state assemblies.</p>

<p>A politician with a previously low profile, he is also a member of the Hindu nationalist organisation, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).</p>

<p>His appointment is being viewed as a move to consolidate the Dalit vote for the BJP ahead of the 2019&nbsp;general elections.</p>


Ram Nath Kovind is just the second Dalit leader to be elected head of state after KR Narayanan.

BJP's Dalit leader Ram Nath Kovind was sworn in as India's 14th president on Tuesday, just the second Dalit leader to be elected head of state after KR Narayanan. In his address to Parliament after his swearing-in, the new president said he felt privileged to walk on the same path as Dr Radhakrishnan, Dr Abdul Kalam and Pranab Mukherjee. "I will stand by and represent all 125 crore fellow Indians. I understand the massive responsibility that this is. I feel privileged to walk on the same path as Dr.Radhakrishnan, Dr. Abdul Kalam and Pranab da. I hope to live up to that greatness," he said. In his speech, President Kovind emphasised the importance of upholding India's diversity. "Coming here to central hall has brought back so many memories. I have been to this central hall and have often had discussions with many of you. We often agreed and disagreed. But we learnt to respect each other and that is the beauty of democracy." We are different but we are one and united. These are the traditional values and there is no contradiction or alternative opinion about it." The 71-year-old president, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, said he had been brought up in a mud-built house in a small village in the state. "I am thankful to you all for giving me the responsibility to be the President of India... I come from a humble background. The journey has been long. I grew up in a mud house, in a small village. My journey has been a long one, and yet this journey is hardly mine alone. It is so telling of our nation and our society also. For all its problems, it follows that basic mantra given to us in the Preamble to the Constitution – of ensuring Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity and I will always continue to follow this basic mantra," Mr Kovind said in his address. He said that while the 21st century would be an Indian century, there was a need to build India as a "moral exemplar" and of combining tradition and technology. "We would be completing 70 years of our Independence soon. We are also well into the second decade of the 21st century, a century that so many of us intuitively believe will be an Indian century, guided and shaped by India and its accomplishments. We need to build an India that is an economic leader as well as a moral exemplar. For us, those two touchstones can never be separate. They are and must forever be linked," Ram Nath Kovind said. "The India of the 21st century will be one that is in conformity with our ancient values as well as compliant with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. There is no dichotomy there, no question of choice. We must combine tradition and technology, the wisdom of an age-old Bharat and the science of a contemporary India," President Kovind said. Citing the examples of Mahatma Gandhi and Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader Deen Dayal Upadhyay, President Kovind stressed on the need for building an egalitarian society. "We need to sculpt a robust, high growth economy, an educated, ethical and shared community, and an egalitarian society, as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi and Deen Dayal Upadhyay ji. These are integral to our sense of humanism. This is the India of our dreams, an India that will provide equality of opportunities. This will be the India of the 21st century," he said. After his address in Parliament, President Kovind was given a guard of honour at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. He was then given a tour of the Raisina Hill residence by outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee. The new President subsequently left for 10, Rajaji Marg, the new residence of Pranab Mukherjee and the received former President there. Accompanied by his wife, President Kovind paid his respects at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial Rajghat in the Indian capital before proceeding to Parliament's Central Hall for his swearing-in ceremony. He was driven to Parliament in a ceremonial horse-drawn chariot. A former lawyer and governor of Bihar, Kovind won the presidency after defeating Opposition's Meira Kumar, garnering more than 65 per cent of the vote of lawmakers of Parliament and state assemblies. A politician with a previously low profile, he is also a member of the Hindu nationalist organisation, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). His appointment is being viewed as a move to consolidate the Dalit vote for the BJP ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Ram Nath Kovind sworn in as India's 14th president, says every Indian is a nation builder

<p>President Pranab Mukherjee leaves office today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His successor President-elect Ram Nath Kovind will be administered the oath of office by the Chief Justice of India JS Khehar in the Central Hall of Parliament today.</p>

<p>Mukherjee will then exchange seats with Kovind.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mukherjee will then be given a 21-gun salute after which the new President will give his inaugural address.</p>

<p>Reproduced below, in full, is Mukherjee&#39;s farewell address to the nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Once again in it he says &quot;we must free our public discourse from all forms of violence, physical as well as verbal.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Because &quot;the capacity for compassion and empathy is the true foundation of our civilisation. But every day, we see increased violence around us. At the heart of this violence is darkness, fear and mistrust.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
Fellow citizens:<br />
1.On the eve of stepping down from office, I am overwhelmed by a deep sense of gratitude for the people of India, their elected representatives and the political parties for the trust and confidence they reposed in me. I am humbled by their kindness and affection. I have received much more from the country than I have given. For that, I will remain ever indebted to the people of India.<br />
2.I congratulate and extend a warm welcome to Shri Ram Nath Kovind, the President-to-be and wish him success and happiness in the years to come.<br />
Fellow citizens:<br />
3.Our founding fathers, with the adoption of Constitution, set in motion powerful forces that liberated us from the stranglehold of inequity in gender, caste and community along with other fetters that had tied us for too long. It inspired a social and cultural evolution which put Indian society on the track to modernity.<br />
4.A modern nation is built on some essential fundamentals - democracy or equal rights for every citizen, secularism or equal freedom to every faith, equality of every region, and economic equity. For development to be real, the poorest of the land must feel that they are a part of the nation&rsquo;s narrative.<br />
Fellow citizens:<br />
5.Five years ago, when I took the oath of office of the President of the Republic, I promised to preserve, protect and defend our Constitution, not just in word but also in spirit. Each day of these five years, I was conscious of my responsibility. I learnt from my travels across the length and breadth of the country. I learnt from my conversations with young and bright minds in colleges and universities, scientists, innovators, scholars, jurists, authors, artists and leaders from across the spectrum. These interactions kept me focused and inspired. I strove hard. How successful I was in discharging my responsibilities will be judged, over the time, by the critical lens of history.<br />
Fellow citizens:<br />
6.As one advances in years, so does one&rsquo;s propensity to sermonize. But I have no sermon to make. For the past fifty years of my public life, -<br />
My sacred text has been the Constitution of India;<br />
My temple has been the Parliament of India; and<br />
My passion has been the service of the people of India.<br />
7.I want to share with you some truths that I have internalized in this period:<br />
8.The soul of India resides in pluralism and tolerance. India is not just a geographical entity. It carries a history of ideas, philosophy, intellect, industrial genius, craft, innovation and experience. Plurality of our society has come about through assimilation of ideas over centuries. The multiplicity in culture, faith and language is what makes India special. We derive our strength from tolerance. It has been part of our collective consciousness for centuries. There are divergent strands in public discourse. We may argue, we may agree or we may not agree. But we cannot deny the essential prevalence of multiplicity of opinion. Otherwise, a fundamental character of our thought process will wither away.<br />
9.The capacity for compassion and empathy is the true foundation of our civilization. But every day, we see increased violence around us. At the heart of this violence is darkness, fear and mistrust. We must free our public discourse from all forms of violence, physical as well as verbal. Only a non-violent society can ensure the participation of all sections of the people, especially the marginalized and the dispossessed in the democratic process. Power of non-violence has to be resurrected to build a compassionate and caring society.<br />
10.Protection of the environment is essential for our survival. Nature has been kind to us in its bounty. But when greed exceeds need, nature lets loose its fury. We often see some parts of India affected by devastating floods while others reel under severe drought. Climate change has put farming sector under tremendous stress. Scientists and technologists have to work with millions of farmers and workers to revive the health of our soil, arrest the decline in water table and restore the ecological balance. We all have to act together now for the future may not give us another chance.<br />
11.As I had said on assuming the Office of the President, education is the alchemy that can take India to its next golden age. A reordering of society is possible through the transformative power of education. For that, we have to upgrade our higher institutions of learning to world-class levels. Our education system must accept disruption as a norm and prepare our students to manage and build upon the disruptions. Our universities should not be a place for rote-memorizing but an assembly of inquisitive minds. Creative thinking, innovation and scientific temper have to be promoted in our institutions of higher learning. It calls for application of logic through discussion, argument and analysis. These qualities have to be cultivated and autonomy of mind has to be encouraged.<br />
12.For us, creation of an inclusive society has to be an article of faith. Gandhiji saw India as an inclusive nation where every section of our population lived in equality and enjoyed equal opportunity. He wanted our people to move forward unitedly in ever-widening thought and action. Financial inclusion is at the core of an equitable society. We must empower the poorest of the poor and ensure that the fruits of our policies reach the last person in the line.<br />
13.To lead healthy, happy and productive lives is the basic right of our citizens. Happiness is fundamental to the human experience of life. Happiness is equally the outcome of economic and non-economic parameters. The quest for happiness is closely tied to the quest for sustainable development, which is the combination of human well-being, social inclusion and environmental stability. Eradication of poverty would provide a strong boost to happiness. A sustainable environment would prevent damage to the planetary resources. Social inclusion would ensure access to the fruits of progress to all. Good governance would provide the ability to people to shape their own lives through transparent, accountable and participatory political institutions.<br />
Fellow citizens:<br />
14.During my five years in Rashtrapati Bhavan, we tried to build a humane and happy township. We found happiness that is associated with joy and pride, smiling and laughter, good health, feeling of safety and positive actions. We learnt to wear a smile always; to laugh at life; to connect with nature and get involved with the community. And then, we extended our experience to a few villages in the neighbourhood. The journey continues.<br />
Fellow citizens:<br />
15.As I get ready to leave, let me repeat what I said in my first Address to the Nation on the eve of Independence Day 2012: &quot;Words cannot adequately express my gratitude to the people and their representatives for the honour of this high office even as I am deeply conscious of the fact that the highest honour in our democracy does not lie in any office but in being a citizen of India, our motherland. We are all equal children before our mother and India asks each one of us in whatever role we play in the complex drama of nation building to do our duty with integrity, commitment and unflinching loyalty to the values enshrined in our Constitution&rdquo;.<br />
16.When I speak to you tomorrow, it will not be as the President but as a citizen&ndash; a pilgrim like all of you in India&rsquo;s onward march towards glory.<br />
Thank you.<br />
Jai Hind.</p>


'The capacity for compassion and empathy is the true foundation of our civilisation,' Mukherjee said

President Pranab Mukherjee leaves office today. His successor President-elect Ram Nath Kovind will be administered the oath of office by the Chief Justice of India JS Khehar in the Central Hall of Parliament today. Mukherjee will then exchange seats with Kovind. Mukherjee will then be given a 21-gun salute after which the new President will give his inaugural address. Reproduced below, in full, is Mukherjee's farewell address to the nation. Once again in it he says "we must free our public discourse from all forms of violence, physical as well as verbal." Because "the capacity for compassion and empathy is the true foundation of our civilisation. But every day, we see increased violence around us. At the heart of this violence is darkness, fear and mistrust." Fellow citizens: 1.On the eve of stepping down from office, I am overwhelmed by a deep sense of gratitude for the people of India, their elected representatives and the political parties for the trust and confidence they reposed in me. I am humbled by their kindness and affection. I have received much more from the country than I have given. For that, I will remain ever indebted to the people of India. 2.I congratulate and extend a warm welcome to Shri Ram Nath Kovind, the President-to-be and wish him success and happiness in the years to come. Fellow citizens: 3.Our founding fathers, with the adoption of Constitution, set in motion powerful forces that liberated us from the stranglehold of inequity in gender, caste and community along with other fetters that had tied us for too long. It inspired a social and cultural evolution which put Indian society on the track to modernity. 4.A modern nation is built on some essential fundamentals - democracy or equal rights for every citizen, secularism or equal freedom to every faith, equality of every region, and economic equity. For development to be real, the poorest of the land must feel that they are a part of the nation’s narrative. Fellow citizens: 5.Five years ago, when I took the oath of office of the President of the Republic, I promised to preserve, protect and defend our Constitution, not just in word but also in spirit. Each day of these five years, I was conscious of my responsibility. I learnt from my travels across the length and breadth of the country. I learnt from my conversations with young and bright minds in colleges and universities, scientists, innovators, scholars, jurists, authors, artists and leaders from across the spectrum. These interactions kept me focused and inspired. I strove hard. How successful I was in discharging my responsibilities will be judged, over the time, by the critical lens of history. Fellow citizens: 6.As one advances in years, so does one’s propensity to sermonize. But I have no sermon to make. For the past fifty years of my public life, - My sacred text has been the Constitution of India; My temple has been the Parliament of India; and My passion has been the service of the people of India. 7.I want to share with you some truths that I have internalized in this period: 8.The soul of India resides in pluralism and tolerance. India is not just a geographical entity. It carries a history of ideas, philosophy, intellect, industrial genius, craft, innovation and experience. Plurality of our society has come about through assimilation of ideas over centuries. The multiplicity in culture, faith and language is what makes India special. We derive our strength from tolerance. It has been part of our collective consciousness for centuries. There are divergent strands in public discourse. We may argue, we may agree or we may not agree. But we cannot deny the essential prevalence of multiplicity of opinion. Otherwise, a fundamental character of our thought process will wither away. 9.The capacity for compassion and empathy is the true foundation of our civilization. But every day, we see increased violence around us. At the heart of this violence is darkness, fear and mistrust. We must free our public discourse from all forms of violence, physical as well as verbal. Only a non-violent society can ensure the participation of all sections of the people, especially the marginalized and the dispossessed in the democratic process. Power of non-violence has to be resurrected to build a compassionate and caring society. 10.Protection of the environment is essential for our survival. Nature has been kind to us in its bounty. But when greed exceeds need, nature lets loose its fury. We often see some parts of India affected by devastating floods while others reel under severe drought. Climate change has put farming sector under tremendous stress. Scientists and technologists have to work with millions of farmers and workers to revive the health of our soil, arrest the decline in water table and restore the ecological balance. We all have to act together now for the future may not give us another chance. 11.As I had said on assuming the Office of the President, education is the alchemy that can take India to its next golden age. A reordering of society is possible through the transformative power of education. For that, we have to upgrade our higher institutions of learning to world-class levels. Our education system must accept disruption as a norm and prepare our students to manage and build upon the disruptions. Our universities should not be a place for rote-memorizing but an assembly of inquisitive minds. Creative thinking, innovation and scientific temper have to be promoted in our institutions of higher learning. It calls for application of logic through discussion, argument and analysis. These qualities have to be cultivated and autonomy of mind has to be encouraged. 12.For us, creation of an inclusive society has to be an article of faith. Gandhiji saw India as an inclusive nation where every section of our population lived in equality and enjoyed equal opportunity. He wanted our people to move forward unitedly in ever-widening thought and action. Financial inclusion is at the core of an equitable society. We must empower the poorest of the poor and ensure that the fruits of our policies reach the last person in the line. 13.To lead healthy, happy and productive lives is the basic right of our citizens. Happiness is fundamental to the human experience of life. Happiness is equally the outcome of economic and non-economic parameters. The quest for happiness is closely tied to the quest for sustainable development, which is the combination of human well-being, social inclusion and environmental stability. Eradication of poverty would provide a strong boost to happiness. A sustainable environment would prevent damage to the planetary resources. Social inclusion would ensure access to the fruits of progress to all. Good governance would provide the ability to people to shape their own lives through transparent, accountable and participatory political institutions. Fellow citizens: 14.During my five years in Rashtrapati Bhavan, we tried to build a humane and happy township. We found happiness that is associated with joy and pride, smiling and laughter, good health, feeling of safety and positive actions. We learnt to wear a smile always; to laugh at life; to connect with nature and get involved with the community. And then, we extended our experience to a few villages in the neighbourhood. The journey continues. Fellow citizens: 15.As I get ready to leave, let me repeat what I said in my first Address to the Nation on the eve of Independence Day 2012: "Words cannot adequately express my gratitude to the people and their representatives for the honour of this high office even as I am deeply conscious of the fact that the highest honour in our democracy does not lie in any office but in being a citizen of India, our motherland. We are all equal children before our mother and India asks each one of us in whatever role we play in the complex drama of nation building to do our duty with integrity, commitment and unflinching loyalty to the values enshrined in our Constitution”. 16.When I speak to you tomorrow, it will not be as the President but as a citizen– a pilgrim like all of you in India’s onward march towards glory. Thank you. Jai Hind.

Full text of President Pranab Mukherjee's farewell address to the nation

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a farewell dinner on Saturday for outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The dinner was attended by President-elect Ram Nath Kovind, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, senior ministers, and various Opposition leaders, PTI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the dinner, Modi presented Mukherjee, who leaves office on Monday, with a memento.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hosted a farewell for President Pranab Mukherjee. <a href="https://twitter.com/RashtrapatiBhvn">@RashtrapatiBhvn</a> <a href="https://t.co/YeGtwFIetS">pic.twitter.com/YeGtwFIetS</a></p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/888800980862509060">July 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>News reports said Mukherjee, 82, had no less than 25 engagements to go to in his last 72 hours in office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Sunday, Mukherjee will be given a farewell by MPs in the Central Hall of Parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mukherjee, who is also the supreme commander of the armed forces, was given a farewell by the Chiefs of Staff Committee on Friday, PTI reported.&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a farewell dinner on Saturday for outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee. The dinner was attended by President-elect Ram Nath Kovind, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, senior ministers, and various Opposition leaders, PTI reported. At the dinner, Modi presented Mukherjee, who leaves office on Monday, with a memento. Hosted a farewell for President Pranab Mukherjee. @RashtrapatiBhvn pic.twitter.com/YeGtwFIetS — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 22, 2017 × News reports said Mukherjee, 82, had no less than 25 engagements to go to in his last 72 hours in office. On Sunday, Mukherjee will be given a farewell by MPs in the Central Hall of Parliament. Mukherjee, who is also the supreme commander of the armed forces, was given a farewell by the Chiefs of Staff Committee on Friday, PTI reported.

PM Modi hosts farewell dinner for outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee

<p>NDA&#39;s presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind will be India&#39;s fourteenth President winning the contest with 65.65 per cent votes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kovind won the election by a margin of 3,34,730 votes. He received 7,02,044 votes while her opponent Meira Kumar managed to get 3,67,314 votes.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BJP workers celebrate the early lead of NDA presidential nominee <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RamNathKovind?src=hash">#RamNathKovind</a> in Bikaner <a href="https://t.co/AFQgZQylyK">pic.twitter.com/AFQgZQylyK</a></p>
&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/887988725816238080">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the newly appointed President-elect.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">20 years ago and the present&hellip;always been a privilege to know you, President Elect. <a href="https://t.co/IkhnOtYf8N">pic.twitter.com/IkhnOtYf8N</a></p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/887992799789961218">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Opposition candidate Meira Kumar said that she was not upset with the results.</p>

<p>She said that she fought for the &quot;belief and faith&quot;&nbsp;for the majority of the countrymen, according to ANI.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I am not upset, why should I be upset? I am a fighter, I fought for the belief and faith of majority of my countrymen and women: Meira Kumar <a href="https://t.co/52AbfSffQE">pic.twitter.com/52AbfSffQE</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/887955740442230784">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The presidential elections saw the highest ever voting with more than 99 per cent of the electoral college exercising its franchise.</p>

<p>A total of 4,896 voters, including 4,120 MLAs and 776 elected MPs, were eligible to cast their ballot.</p>


He received 65.65% of the votes trouncing Meira Kumar by a margin of 3,34,730 votes

NDA's presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind will be India's fourteenth President winning the contest with 65.65 per cent votes. Kovind won the election by a margin of 3,34,730 votes. He received 7,02,044 votes while her opponent Meira Kumar managed to get 3,67,314 votes. BJP workers celebrate the early lead of NDA presidential nominee #RamNathKovind in Bikaner pic.twitter.com/AFQgZQylyK — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 20, 2017 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the newly appointed President-elect. 20 years ago and the present…always been a privilege to know you, President Elect. pic.twitter.com/IkhnOtYf8N — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 20, 2017 × Opposition candidate Meira Kumar said that she was not upset with the results. She said that she fought for the "belief and faith" for the majority of the countrymen, according to ANI. I am not upset, why should I be upset? I am a fighter, I fought for the belief and faith of majority of my countrymen and women: Meira Kumar pic.twitter.com/52AbfSffQE — ANI (@ANI_news) July 20, 2017 × The presidential elections saw the highest ever voting with more than 99 per cent of the electoral college exercising its franchise. A total of 4,896 voters, including 4,120 MLAs and 776 elected MPs, were eligible to cast their ballot.

NDA's presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind is India's next President

<p>The counting of votes for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-presidential-election-update-voting-begins-at-parliament-house-and-state-legislative-assembles-18000">Indian presidential election&nbsp;</a>began at 11 am today and the results are expected to be known by 5 pm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>About 99 per cent voting was recorded for electing India&#39;s 14th president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A total of 4,896 voters, including 4,120 MLAs and 776 elected MPs, were eligible to cast their ballot.</p>

<p>The numbers are reportedly in favour of the ruling NDA&#39;s candidate Ram Nath Kovind over opposition nominee Meira Kumar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ballot Box of Parliament House will be opened first followed by those received from the states.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There will be eight rounds of counting on four separate&nbsp;tables.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ram Nath Kovind is the&nbsp;former governor of Bihar. His name was announced as the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA&#39;s candidate for the post of President of India&nbsp;on June 19.</p>

<p>Kovind filed his nomination for the election on June 23.</p>

<p>Meira Kumar is the former Speaker of Lok Sabha. Her name was announced as the Indian National Congress (INC)-led opposition&#39;s nominee for the election after a meeting held on June 22.</p>

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Voting to elect India's 14th president took place on Monday

The counting of votes for the Indian presidential election began at 11 am today and the results are expected to be known by 5 pm. About 99 per cent voting was recorded for electing India's 14th president. A total of 4,896 voters, including 4,120 MLAs and 776 elected MPs, were eligible to cast their ballot. The numbers are reportedly in favour of the ruling NDA's candidate Ram Nath Kovind over opposition nominee Meira Kumar. The ballot Box of Parliament House will be opened first followed by those received from the states. There will be eight rounds of counting on four separate tables. Ram Nath Kovind is the former governor of Bihar. His name was announced as the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA's candidate for the post of President of India on June 19. Kovind filed his nomination for the election on June 23. Meira Kumar is the former Speaker of Lok Sabha. Her name was announced as the Indian National Congress (INC)-led opposition's nominee for the election after a meeting held on June 22.

Indian presidential election: Counting of votes begins, results to be out today

<p>India&#39;s newly elected President Ram Nath Kovind, in his first address after the election results were announced, said that he will work towards the betterment of the marginalised sections of society.</p>

<p>&quot;Thoughts of serving my country have brought me this far. My job will be to uphold and protect the Constitution,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>He also said that his election is a message for those who work with honesty.</p>

<p>&quot;My elevation to the highest office is a message for the people who do their work with honest. I will represent the working class and poor sections of the society. This is the novelty of Indian democracy that today I am elected the President of the country,&quot; he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Ye zimmedari diya jana desh ke har aise vyakti ke liye sandesh hai jo imaandari ke sath kartavyon ka nirvahan karta hai: President Elect <a href="https://t.co/1su6rJe1a3">pic.twitter.com/1su6rJe1a3</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/887998066116018176">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ndas-ram-nath-kovind-set-to-be-indias-next-president-18120">Ram Nath Kovind won the presidential election</a> getting 65.65 per cent votes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Kovind secured 2930 votes with a value of 7,02,044.&nbsp;<a href="http://aninews.in/keysearch/keyword-search/meira-kumar.html">Meira Kumar</a>&nbsp;got 1,844 votes with the value of 3,67,314, and 77 votes were invalid,&quot; said Anoop Mishra, the returning officer for the Presidential election 2017.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the President-elect Ram Nath Kovind and congratulated him on his victory.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulates President elect <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RamNathKovind?src=hash">#RamNathKovind</a> in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/0Ukdkj0kR3">pic.twitter.com/0Ukdkj0kR3</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/888010738748473345">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Opposition candidate Meira Kumar congratulated Kovind on his victory.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I congratulate Sh. Ram Nath Kovindji for becoming the President of India. 1/2</p>
&mdash; Meira Kumar (@meira_kumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/meira_kumar/status/887995895827935233">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My best wishes are with Sh. Kovindji as it has fallen upon him to uphold the Constitution in letter &amp; spirit in these challenging times. 2/2</p>
&mdash; Meira Kumar (@meira_kumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/meira_kumar/status/887996095560798208">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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President-elect Ram Nath Kovind won the elections getting 65.65% votes

India's newly elected President Ram Nath Kovind, in his first address after the election results were announced, said that he will work towards the betterment of the marginalised sections of society. "Thoughts of serving my country have brought me this far. My job will be to uphold and protect the Constitution," he said. He also said that his election is a message for those who work with honesty. "My elevation to the highest office is a message for the people who do their work with honest. I will represent the working class and poor sections of the society. This is the novelty of Indian democracy that today I am elected the President of the country," he added. Ye zimmedari diya jana desh ke har aise vyakti ke liye sandesh hai jo imaandari ke sath kartavyon ka nirvahan karta hai: President Elect pic.twitter.com/1su6rJe1a3 — ANI (@ANI_news) July 20, 2017 × Ram Nath Kovind won the presidential election getting 65.65 per cent votes. "Kovind secured 2930 votes with a value of 7,02,044. Meira Kumar got 1,844 votes with the value of 3,67,314, and 77 votes were invalid," said Anoop Mishra, the returning officer for the Presidential election 2017. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the President-elect Ram Nath Kovind and congratulated him on his victory. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulates President elect #RamNathKovind in Delhi pic.twitter.com/0Ukdkj0kR3 — ANI (@ANI_news) July 20, 2017 × Opposition candidate Meira Kumar congratulated Kovind on his victory. I congratulate Sh. Ram Nath Kovindji for becoming the President of India. 1/2 — Meira Kumar (@meira_kumar) July 20, 2017 × My best wishes are with Sh. Kovindji as it has fallen upon him to uphold the Constitution in letter & spirit in these challenging times. 2/2 — Meira Kumar (@meira_kumar) July 20, 2017 ×

My election is a message to those who work with honesty: President-elect Ram Nath Kovind

<p>Amid reports of the&nbsp;Nationalist Congress Party&nbsp;(NCP) voting for National Democratic Alliance&#39;s (NDA) presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind, party leader Praful Patel on Monday clarified that all their MPs and MLAs have voted for Opposition candidate Meira Kumar.</p>

<p>Patel said NCP chief Sharad Pawar had declared his support for Meira in the beginning itself.</p>

<p>&quot;This is all baseless. NCP chief Sharad Pawar himself declared the party&#39;s support for Meira Kumar. All the MPs and MLAs have voted for her,&quot; Patel told ANI.</p>

<p>Patel, however, also opined that the one, who can maintain the dignity of the President&#39;s post, should win.</p>

<p>&quot;This is the supreme post of the country. It is the President&#39;s responsibility to safeguard the Constitution. We wish that the person who can maintain the dignity of the post and protect the Constitution wins,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Earlier, as per reports, it was said that the&nbsp;NCP&nbsp;has extended its support to Kovind, leading to a huge gain for the NDA and loss for the Opposition.</p>

<p>The polling for the Presidential election is underway.</p>

<p>The verdict will be out once the counting takes place on July 20.</p>


Earlier, as per reports, it was said that the?NCP?has extended its support to Kovind, leading to a huge gain for the NDA and loss for the Opposition

Amid reports of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) voting for National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind, party leader Praful Patel on Monday clarified that all their MPs and MLAs have voted for Opposition candidate Meira Kumar. Patel said NCP chief Sharad Pawar had declared his support for Meira in the beginning itself. "This is all baseless. NCP chief Sharad Pawar himself declared the party's support for Meira Kumar. All the MPs and MLAs have voted for her," Patel told ANI. Patel, however, also opined that the one, who can maintain the dignity of the President's post, should win. "This is the supreme post of the country. It is the President's responsibility to safeguard the Constitution. We wish that the person who can maintain the dignity of the post and protect the Constitution wins," he said. Earlier, as per reports, it was said that the NCP has extended its support to Kovind, leading to a huge gain for the NDA and loss for the Opposition. The polling for the Presidential election is underway. The verdict will be out once the counting takes place on July 20.

India Presidential election: NCP denies supporting NDA pick Ram Nath Kovind

<p>Voting in today&#39;s election to determine&nbsp;India&rsquo;s next president has begun&nbsp;at Parliament House in New Delhi, and in all State Legislative Assembly Secretariats.</p>

<p>NDA candidate and former Bihar governor Ram Nath Kovind is pitted against opposition nominee and former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar. Ahead of the election, numbers are in favour of Kovind.</p>

<p>The NDA has 537,683 votes&nbsp;including the Shiv Sena, and the shortage is around 12,000 votes.<br />
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In a setback for the Opposition, the Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) has said it will support Ram Nath Kovind. The party also skipped Sunday&#39;s Opposition meeting in New Delhi to formally introduce its presidential and vice presidential nominees, Meira Kumar and Gopal Krishna Gandhi.<br />
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But the promised support from the BJD, the TRS and the YSR Congress and likely backing from the AIADMK factions could offset the shortfall of the presidential votes by a substantial margin.</p>

<p>To become the president, either of the candidate needs to secure at least one vote more than 50 per cent of the total votes polled.</p>

<p>According to ANI, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), a former constituent of United Progressive Alliance (UPA), will support Meira Kumar in the Presidential polls.</p>

<p>The party has seven members in Telangana Assembly and two in Maharashtra Assembly.</p>

<p>In the 2012 elections, Pranab Mukherjee garnered 7,13,763 votes, while Pratibha Patil secured 6,38,116 votes in the previous polls in 2007.</p>

<p>The President will be elected by the Electoral college comprising of all elected members of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Legislative Assemblies of States.</p>

<p>The counting of votes will take place on July 20 in New Delhi.</p>

<p>Both the candidates have held a series of meetings across states to garner support for their candidature.</p>

<p>Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Sunday urged leaders of the opposition parties to extend their support to Meira Kumar.</p>

<p>&quot;In these contests, the numbers may be against us. But the battle must be fought and fought hard. We cannot and must not let India be hostage to those who wish to impose upon it a narrow-minded, divisive and communal vision,&quot; Gandhi said.&nbsp;</p>


The NDA has 537,683 votes?including the Shiv Sena, and the shortage is around 12,000 votes

Voting in today's election to determine India’s next president has begun at Parliament House in New Delhi, and in all State Legislative Assembly Secretariats. NDA candidate and former Bihar governor Ram Nath Kovind is pitted against opposition nominee and former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar. Ahead of the election, numbers are in favour of Kovind. The NDA has 537,683 votes including the Shiv Sena, and the shortage is around 12,000 votes. In a setback for the Opposition, the Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) has said it will support Ram Nath Kovind. The party also skipped Sunday's Opposition meeting in New Delhi to formally introduce its presidential and vice presidential nominees, Meira Kumar and Gopal Krishna Gandhi. But the promised support from the BJD, the TRS and the YSR Congress and likely backing from the AIADMK factions could offset the shortfall of the presidential votes by a substantial margin. To become the president, either of the candidate needs to secure at least one vote more than 50 per cent of the total votes polled. According to ANI, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), a former constituent of United Progressive Alliance (UPA), will support Meira Kumar in the Presidential polls. The party has seven members in Telangana Assembly and two in Maharashtra Assembly. In the 2012 elections, Pranab Mukherjee garnered 7,13,763 votes, while Pratibha Patil secured 6,38,116 votes in the previous polls in 2007. The President will be elected by the Electoral college comprising of all elected members of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Legislative Assemblies of States. The counting of votes will take place on July 20 in New Delhi. Both the candidates have held a series of meetings across states to garner support for their candidature. Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Sunday urged leaders of the opposition parties to extend their support to Meira Kumar. "In these contests, the numbers may be against us. But the battle must be fought and fought hard. We cannot and must not let India be hostage to those who wish to impose upon it a narrow-minded, divisive and communal vision," Gandhi said.

Voting has begun in today's election to determine India's next president

<p>The nominations of all presidential candidates, barring those of NDA nominee Ram Nath Kovind and Opposition-backed Meira Kumar, were rejected today.</p>

<p>About 95 persons had filed their nominations, including Kumar and Kovind.</p>

<p>Except the two main contenders, the nominations of the rest were rejected as none of them were proposed and backed by the required number of members of the electoral college, according to sources in the Lok Sabha secretariat.</p>

<p>The nominations were rejected in the scrutiny process initiated today, they added.</p>

<p>According to the rules, a presidential candidate&#39;s nomination should be signed by at least 50 members of an electoral college as proposers and endorsed by as many.</p>

<p>MPs of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and MLAs of all legislative assemblies are members of the electoral college.</p>

<p>This time, the Secretary General of the Lok Sabha is the returning officer for the presidential election.</p>


About 95 persons had filed their nominations, including Kumar and Kovind

The nominations of all presidential candidates, barring those of NDA nominee Ram Nath Kovind and Opposition-backed Meira Kumar, were rejected today. About 95 persons had filed their nominations, including Kumar and Kovind. Except the two main contenders, the nominations of the rest were rejected as none of them were proposed and backed by the required number of members of the electoral college, according to sources in the Lok Sabha secretariat. The nominations were rejected in the scrutiny process initiated today, they added. According to the rules, a presidential candidate's nomination should be signed by at least 50 members of an electoral college as proposers and endorsed by as many. MPs of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and MLAs of all legislative assemblies are members of the electoral college. This time, the Secretary General of the Lok Sabha is the returning officer for the presidential election.

India: Besides Ram Nath Kovind and Meira Kumar, all presidential nominations rejected

<p>Opposition Presidential candidate Meira Kumar filed her nomination papers on Wednesday with Congress president Sonia Gandhi by her side.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also present were former prime minister Manmohan Singh and other senior Opposition leaders.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Opposition Presidential candidate <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeiraKumar?src=hash">#MeiraKumar</a> files her nomination <a href="https://t.co/MGc1LJYmFo">pic.twitter.com/MGc1LJYmFo</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/879946339584319488">June 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Before filing her nomination papers, ANI reported, Kumar said it is upsetting to see casteism still eating away at India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;It is very upsetting, unfortunate that a country like India, which wants to advance in every aspect, is using a mentality which is so narrow and dividing, that too also when we are fighting for presidentship,&quot; ANI reported her as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter, saying Meira represents the values that bind the nation together.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Against the ideology of divisiveness she represents the values that bind us as a nation&amp;a ppl.Proud to have <a href="https://twitter.com/meira_kumar">@meira_kumar</a> ji as our candidate <a href="https://t.co/R7M5udN44y">https://t.co/R7M5udN44y</a></p>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/879937175516717057">June 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Against the ideology of divisiveness she represents the values that bind us as a nation&amp;a ppl.Proud to have @meira_kumar ji as our candidate,&quot; he wrote</p>

<p>The Presidential elections are set to take place on July 17 and counting will take place on July 24.&nbsp;</p>


Manmohan Singh and other senior Opposition leaders were also present

Opposition Presidential candidate Meira Kumar filed her nomination papers on Wednesday with Congress president Sonia Gandhi by her side. Also present were former prime minister Manmohan Singh and other senior Opposition leaders. Opposition Presidential candidate #MeiraKumar files her nomination pic.twitter.com/MGc1LJYmFo — ANI (@ANI_news) June 28, 2017 × Before filing her nomination papers, ANI reported, Kumar said it is upsetting to see casteism still eating away at India. "It is very upsetting, unfortunate that a country like India, which wants to advance in every aspect, is using a mentality which is so narrow and dividing, that too also when we are fighting for presidentship," ANI reported her as saying. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter, saying Meira represents the values that bind the nation together. Against the ideology of divisiveness she represents the values that bind us as a nation&a ppl.Proud to have @meira_kumar ji as our candidate https://t.co/R7M5udN44y — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) June 28, 2017 × "Against the ideology of divisiveness she represents the values that bind us as a nation&a ppl.Proud to have @meira_kumar ji as our candidate," he wrote The Presidential elections are set to take place on July 17 and counting will take place on July 24.

Opposition Presidential candidate Meira Kumar files nomination papers with Sonia Gandhi by her side

<p>Ram Nath Kovind has filed his nomination papers for the Presidential polls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He did so in the presence of Prime Minister Modi, BJP president Amit Shah, and a phalanx of other leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I am thankful to all those who have supported me, will try to maintain the dignity of the post,&quot; Kovind said after filing his nomination papers.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="et"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash">#WATCH</a>:Visuals of NDA&#39;s presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind, PM Modi,Venkaiah Naidu,LK Advani,Amit Shah,Murli Manohar Joshi at Parliament <a href="https://t.co/W7gMuNnTq3">pic.twitter.com/W7gMuNnTq3</a></p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentialPoll?src=hash">#PresidentialPoll</a> polls: NDA&#39;s presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind files his nomination papers in presence of PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/GdVigAEHdk">pic.twitter.com/GdVigAEHdk</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/878143128099725312">June 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Media reports said the prime minister was first proposer on Mr Kovind&#39;s nomination and union&nbsp;home minister Rajnath Singh second. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has broken ranks with the Opposition, pledging support to Mr Kovind.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The picking of Mr Kovind as NDA candidate had stunned the Opposition, with a number of them saying it would be difficult to oppose a Dali. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress and Opposition have picked former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar, who is also a Dalit, to contest against Mr Kovind.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I am happy that I was unanimously selected as Opposition&#39;s Presidential nominee by 17 political parties: Meira Kumar <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentialPolls?src=hash">#PresidentialPolls</a> <a href="https://t.co/euOjuXENuG">pic.twitter.com/euOjuXENuG</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/878147414787358720">June 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>This then becomes a Dalit vs Dalit battle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the National Democratic Alliance now has over 60 per cent of the vote and Mr Kovind is expected to sail through.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ms Kumar is expected to file her nomination papers in a few days.&nbsp;</p>


Reports said the prime minister was first proposer on Mr Kovind's nomination and home minister Rajnath Singh second

Ram Nath Kovind has filed his nomination papers for the Presidential polls. He did so in the presence of Prime Minister Modi, BJP president Amit Shah, and a phalanx of other leaders. "I am thankful to all those who have supported me, will try to maintain the dignity of the post," Kovind said after filing his nomination papers. #WATCH:Visuals of NDA's presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind, PM Modi,Venkaiah Naidu,LK Advani,Amit Shah,Murli Manohar Joshi at Parliament pic.twitter.com/W7gMuNnTq3 — ANI (@ANI_news) June 23, 2017 × #PresidentialPoll polls: NDA's presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind files his nomination papers in presence of PM Modi pic.twitter.com/GdVigAEHdk — ANI (@ANI_news) June 23, 2017 × Media reports said the prime minister was first proposer on Mr Kovind's nomination and union home minister Rajnath Singh second. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has broken ranks with the Opposition, pledging support to Mr Kovind. The picking of Mr Kovind as NDA candidate had stunned the Opposition, with a number of them saying it would be difficult to oppose a Dali. The Congress and Opposition have picked former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar, who is also a Dalit, to contest against Mr Kovind. I am happy that I was unanimously selected as Opposition's Presidential nominee by 17 political parties: Meira Kumar #PresidentialPolls pic.twitter.com/euOjuXENuG — ANI (@ANI_news) June 23, 2017 × This then becomes a Dalit vs Dalit battle. But the National Democratic Alliance now has over 60 per cent of the vote and Mr Kovind is expected to sail through. Ms Kumar is expected to file her nomination papers in a few days.

Presidential polls: Ram Nath Kovind files nomination papers, in presence of PM

<p>By <strong>Ankit Saproo</strong></p>

<p>The opposition has picked former Lok Sabha Speaker and Congress party leader Meira Kumar as its presidential nominee to take on the NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind in next month&#39;s presidential polls.</p>

<p>Rejecting the likes of Gopalkrishna Gandhi and Prakash Ambedkar, the opposition rallied behind Meira Kumar to take on Kovind dealing a blow to the ruling party&#39;s efforts to create a consensus around its presidential nominee. But the cracks in the opposition camp were visible even before the meeting began as one of the key members, Nitish Kumar of the JD(U), sided with the BJP on the choice of presidential candidate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another key opposition figure, BSP&#39;s Mayawati, has decided to back Meira Kumar in what should be a relief for the opposition camp as she had expressed that in the event the opposition does not come &nbsp;up with a better Dalit candidate, she would go with the BJP&#39;s choice Kovind, a Dalit.</p>

<p>By putting up Meira Kumar as a joint opposition figure, the opposition wants to give the ruling party a tough fight even if the numbers are stacked against them.</p>

<p>Meira Kumar, who is the daughter of former deputy Prime Minister and senior Dalit leader Jagjivan Ram, served as the Lok Sabha Speaker in the second UPA regime. She was elected as Speaker by the entire House unanimously. She was famous for her polite interventions during the tumultuous proceedings and was known for her poise.</p>

<p>She quit Indian Foreign Service to join politics and contested for the first time against political heavyweights like Mayawati and Ram Vilas Paswan in 1985. She won the elections and became a member of parliament from Uttar Pradesh&#39;s Bijnore.</p>

<p>By nominating Meira Kumar, the opposition has made the presidential fight next month a matter of competitive Dalit politics.</p>

<p>Apart from JD(U), other regional parties like the BJD and YSR Congress have also extended support to Kovind. Political observers are saying that Kovind&#39;s victory is not a question of &#39;if he will win&#39; but &#39;by what margin&nbsp;will he win?&#39;</p>

<p>Whether more opposition parties will switch loyalities is someting to watch out for but by pitting Meira Kumar against Ram Nath Kovind, the Presidential polls will be a battle between two Dalit candidates in a larger fight to win the Dalit vote bank which holds the key to 2019 Lok Sabha polls.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The opposition camp received its biggest blow in the form of Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) deciding to support the NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind

By Ankit Saproo The opposition has picked former Lok Sabha Speaker and Congress party leader Meira Kumar as its presidential nominee to take on the NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind in next month's presidential polls. Rejecting the likes of Gopalkrishna Gandhi and Prakash Ambedkar, the opposition rallied behind Meira Kumar to take on Kovind dealing a blow to the ruling party's efforts to create a consensus around its presidential nominee. But the cracks in the opposition camp were visible even before the meeting began as one of the key members, Nitish Kumar of the JD(U), sided with the BJP on the choice of presidential candidate. Another key opposition figure, BSP's Mayawati, has decided to back Meira Kumar in what should be a relief for the opposition camp as she had expressed that in the event the opposition does not come up with a better Dalit candidate, she would go with the BJP's choice Kovind, a Dalit. By putting up Meira Kumar as a joint opposition figure, the opposition wants to give the ruling party a tough fight even if the numbers are stacked against them. Meira Kumar, who is the daughter of former deputy Prime Minister and senior Dalit leader Jagjivan Ram, served as the Lok Sabha Speaker in the second UPA regime. She was elected as Speaker by the entire House unanimously. She was famous for her polite interventions during the tumultuous proceedings and was known for her poise. She quit Indian Foreign Service to join politics and contested for the first time against political heavyweights like Mayawati and Ram Vilas Paswan in 1985. She won the elections and became a member of parliament from Uttar Pradesh's Bijnore. By nominating Meira Kumar, the opposition has made the presidential fight next month a matter of competitive Dalit politics. Apart from JD(U), other regional parties like the BJD and YSR Congress have also extended support to Kovind. Political observers are saying that Kovind's victory is not a question of 'if he will win' but 'by what margin will he win?' Whether more opposition parties will switch loyalities is someting to watch out for but by pitting Meira Kumar against Ram Nath Kovind, the Presidential polls will be a battle between two Dalit candidates in a larger fight to win the Dalit vote bank which holds the key to 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Presidential Polls: Meira Kumar is opposition's answer to NDA's Ram Nath Kovind

<p>Mahesh Sharma, the Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, has been allotted two government houses since he won his first election from UP&#39;s Gautam Budh Nagar in 2014 but is still living in his personal residence in Noida.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharma was allotted the spacious 10 Rajaji Marg in Central Delhi, which previously housed President APJ Abdul Kalam. However, within a year he was asked to vacate the premises to make way for current President Pranab Mukherjee who will live there after his five-year term ends.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Next, he was allotted 10 Akbar Road, near Bharatiya Janata Party President&#39;s residence. Just as he was settling down in the bungalow, the movers asked him to retract his way as the house was supposed to be NDA&#39;s Presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind&#39;s temporary residence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mahesh may get the 10 Akbar Road residence if Ram Nath Kovind wins the presidential elections, after which he would move into Rashtrapati Bhawan.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Mahesh Sharma has been allotted a government residence twice and asked to vacate it both the times, first for Pranab Mukherjee and then for Ram Nath Kovind

Mahesh Sharma, the Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, has been allotted two government houses since he won his first election from UP's Gautam Budh Nagar in 2014 but is still living in his personal residence in Noida. Sharma was allotted the spacious 10 Rajaji Marg in Central Delhi, which previously housed President APJ Abdul Kalam. However, within a year he was asked to vacate the premises to make way for current President Pranab Mukherjee who will live there after his five-year term ends. Next, he was allotted 10 Akbar Road, near Bharatiya Janata Party President's residence. Just as he was settling down in the bungalow, the movers asked him to retract his way as the house was supposed to be NDA's Presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind's temporary residence. Mahesh may get the 10 Akbar Road residence if Ram Nath Kovind wins the presidential elections, after which he would move into Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Union Minister Mahesh Sharma just can't get a bungalow

<p>The United Progressive Alliance(UPA) led by Congress has picked former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira&nbsp;Kumar to take on BJP&#39;s Ram Nath Kovind for presidential elections due to be held next month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP had named UP-born Ram Nath Kovind, a Dalit, as their candidate for India&#39;s highest political office, the UPA in a bid to counter the &quot;Dalit factor&quot; has named Meira&nbsp;&nbsp;Kumar as their candidate.</p>

<p>Soon after Meira&nbsp;Kumar&#39;s candidature for presidential polls was announced, BSP chief&nbsp;Mayawati quickly extended her party&#39;s support to the Congress leader, saying she was &quot;more capable and popular&quot; than Kovind.</p>

<p>&quot;The Opposition&#39;s nominee for President&nbsp;Meira Kumar is more capable and popular than the NDA candidate.&nbsp;The BSP will support Meira Kumar in the presidential election,&quot; she said.</p>

<p>Earlier,&nbsp;Mayawati had said Kovind, although a Dalit, had &#39;RSS credentials&#39;. The BSP chief had reiterated&nbsp;her preference for&nbsp;a person with a &quot;non-political background&quot;.</p>

<p>Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar&#39;s party JD(U), a key factor in the numbers game, had hinted they&nbsp;might support NDA&#39;s&nbsp;Ram Nath Kovind, however, his ally RJD supremo&nbsp;Lalu Prasad is not keen on supporting the NDA candidate. JD(U) remained steadfast in its support to Kovind today even after Sonia Gandhi announced Meira Kumar&#39;s name for president.</p>

<p>&quot;Our decision to support Kovind remains unchanged. It was a decision taken on merit after due application of mind and full consultation within the party... We will stick with his choice,&quot; JD(U) spokesperson Pavan Kumar Varma said.</p>

<p>The Shiv Sena, a key constituent of the BJP-led coalition, on Tuesday said it would back the BJP&#39;s presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind, saying he is a &quot;simple and decent human being.&quot;</p>

<p>The presidential polls are due to take place on July 17.</p>


Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar will take on BJP's Ram Nath Kovind during presidential elections due to be held next month

The United Progressive Alliance(UPA) led by Congress has picked former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar to take on BJP's Ram Nath Kovind for presidential elections due to be held next month. The BJP had named UP-born Ram Nath Kovind, a Dalit, as their candidate for India's highest political office, the UPA in a bid to counter the "Dalit factor" has named Meira Kumar as their candidate. Soon after Meira Kumar's candidature for presidential polls was announced, BSP chief Mayawati quickly extended her party's support to the Congress leader, saying she was "more capable and popular" than Kovind. "The Opposition's nominee for President Meira Kumar is more capable and popular than the NDA candidate. The BSP will support Meira Kumar in the presidential election," she said. Earlier, Mayawati had said Kovind, although a Dalit, had 'RSS credentials'. The BSP chief had reiterated her preference for a person with a "non-political background". Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar's party JD(U), a key factor in the numbers game, had hinted they might support NDA's Ram Nath Kovind, however, his ally RJD supremo Lalu Prasad is not keen on supporting the NDA candidate. JD(U) remained steadfast in its support to Kovind today even after Sonia Gandhi announced Meira Kumar's name for president. "Our decision to support Kovind remains unchanged. It was a decision taken on merit after due application of mind and full consultation within the party... We will stick with his choice," JD(U) spokesperson Pavan Kumar Varma said. The Shiv Sena, a key constituent of the BJP-led coalition, on Tuesday said it would back the BJP's presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind, saying he is a "simple and decent human being." The presidential polls are due to take place on July 17.

Presidential elections: UPA's Meira Kumar to fight NDA's Ram Nath Kovind

<p>Harold J Laski, a political theorist London School of Economics, taught minds that won seats in the London School of Economics.</p>

<p>So big a thinker Laski was that even Winston Churchill couldn&rsquo;t afford to ignore.</p>

<p>The political theorist of his times, Harold Laski was impressed by KR Narayanan&#39;s mind reflexes and&nbsp;wrote a letter of recommendation to Pt Jawaharlal Nehru. How could the then Indian Prime Minister ignore Laski&rsquo;s words-- Narayanan was inducted into the Indian Foreign Service.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Narayanan who topped the English Language in the University of Travancoretopper in 1943&nbsp;didn&rsquo;t prove Harold Laski wrong; he didn&rsquo;t disappoint India&rsquo;s foreign office either.</p>

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<h5>KR Narayanan&rsquo;s&nbsp;nomination to the presidency was in recognition of his iconic stature, a role model citizen for the entire country, arguably, the most illustrious Dalit of his time</h5>
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<p>After China-India war in 1962, diplomatic relations were disrupted between both the nations. However,&nbsp;normalcy was set to return by 1976. The country needed the best diplomatic mind to deal with China, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi chose Narayanan to represent India in Beijing. After an illustrious service,&nbsp;Narayanan retired in 1984.</p>

<p>After India&rsquo;s first nuclear test in 1974, relations between the US and India were strained.&nbsp;Indira Gandhi wanted to bring normalcy in the Indo-US relationship, once again, the country needed a genius to represent India in Washington DC. Narayanan was recalled from retirement, and assigned an ambassadorial seat in the Washington DC in the year 1980. He served a four-year term, bringing&nbsp;both the countries closer.</p>

<p>A scholar and author, KR Narayanan spoke his mind on Dalit issues, took an active part in conferences and discussions&nbsp;that dealt with Dalit issues. He even&nbsp;wrote articles advocating the Dalit cause.</p>

<p>Impressed by his genius and commitment to the community, the Congress party offered him a Lok Sabha seat in 1984 and Narayanan went on to win three elections in a row. Then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi inducted&nbsp;Narayanan into his ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before becoming the country&rsquo;s first vice president in the year 1992, Narayanan was already an iconic Dalit personality. He went on to become the President of India in the year 1997- the first Dalit president. As the President, Narayanan served the nation well, arguably, nation&rsquo;s best president ever.</p>

<p>KR Narayanan&rsquo;s&nbsp;nomination to the presidency was in recognition of his iconic stature, a role model citizen for the entire country, arguably, the most illustrious Dalit of his time.</p>

<p>While Ram Nath Kovind deserves to be congratulated for his presidential feat, the future history would ask some questions incessantly, and BJP will have to answer these. Some of these questions are:&nbsp;</p>

<p>Was Mr Ram Nath Kovind an all India name before his candidature was announced yesterday</p>

<p>Was Kovind an all-India Dalit name till yesterday</p>

<p>&nbsp;Is Kovind at all known for promoting a Dalit Agenda</p>

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<h5>Ram Nath Kovind is an exceptional Dalit, is close to RSS, and at that, a designed poster boy of Hindutva</h5>
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<p>What all is slowly emerging is the fact that Ram Nath Kovind is an exceptional Dalit, is close to RSS, and at that, a designed poster boy of Hindutva. Kovind is a practising Hindu, celebrates Hindu rituals, prefers silence over atrocities on Dalits, has no known history of questioning gau rakshaks, none knows what his views are on Rohit Vemula, Una, Shaharnpur.</p>

<p>We are yet to know what kind of economy Kovind has in his mind, certainly, he is not for a communist manifesto, he is not socialist either. Does he endorse&nbsp;a capitalistic order for India, and is deeply entrenched with Ram Rajya, Hindu Rashtra fatalisms?</p>

<p>In all likelihood, it appears to be a well thought of design to market Hindutva in the Dalit bazar that has so far kept the Hindutva hawkers at a bay.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Harold J Laski, a political theorist London School of Economics, taught minds that won seats in the London School of Economics. So big a thinker Laski was that even Winston Churchill couldn’t afford to ignore. The political theorist of his times, Harold Laski was impressed by KR Narayanan's mind reflexes and wrote a letter of recommendation to Pt Jawaharlal Nehru. How could the then Indian Prime Minister ignore Laski’s words-- Narayanan was inducted into the Indian Foreign Service. Narayanan who topped the English Language in the University of Travancoretopper in 1943 didn’t prove Harold Laski wrong; he didn’t disappoint India’s foreign office either. KR Narayanan’s nomination to the presidency was in recognition of his iconic stature, a role model citizen for the entire country, arguably, the most illustrious Dalit of his time × After China-India war in 1962, diplomatic relations were disrupted between both the nations. However, normalcy was set to return by 1976. The country needed the best diplomatic mind to deal with China, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi chose Narayanan to represent India in Beijing. After an illustrious service, Narayanan retired in 1984. After India’s first nuclear test in 1974, relations between the US and India were strained. Indira Gandhi wanted to bring normalcy in the Indo-US relationship, once again, the country needed a genius to represent India in Washington DC. Narayanan was recalled from retirement, and assigned an ambassadorial seat in the Washington DC in the year 1980. He served a four-year term, bringing both the countries closer. A scholar and author, KR Narayanan spoke his mind on Dalit issues, took an active part in conferences and discussions that dealt with Dalit issues. He even wrote articles advocating the Dalit cause. Impressed by his genius and commitment to the community, the Congress party offered him a Lok Sabha seat in 1984 and Narayanan went on to win three elections in a row. Then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi inducted Narayanan into his ministry. Before becoming the country’s first vice president in the year 1992, Narayanan was already an iconic Dalit personality. He went on to become the President of India in the year 1997- the first Dalit president. As the President, Narayanan served the nation well, arguably, nation’s best president ever. KR Narayanan’s nomination to the presidency was in recognition of his iconic stature, a role model citizen for the entire country, arguably, the most illustrious Dalit of his time. While Ram Nath Kovind deserves to be congratulated for his presidential feat, the future history would ask some questions incessantly, and BJP will have to answer these. Some of these questions are: Was Mr Ram Nath Kovind an all India name before his candidature was announced yesterday Was Kovind an all-India Dalit name till yesterday Is Kovind at all known for promoting a Dalit Agenda Ram Nath Kovind is an exceptional Dalit, is close to RSS, and at that, a designed poster boy of Hindutva × What all is slowly emerging is the fact that Ram Nath Kovind is an exceptional Dalit, is close to RSS, and at that, a designed poster boy of Hindutva. Kovind is a practising Hindu, celebrates Hindu rituals, prefers silence over atrocities on Dalits, has no known history of questioning gau rakshaks, none knows what his views are on Rohit Vemula, Una, Shaharnpur. We are yet to know what kind of economy Kovind has in his mind, certainly, he is not for a communist manifesto, he is not socialist either. Does he endorse a capitalistic order for India, and is deeply entrenched with Ram Rajya, Hindu Rashtra fatalisms? In all likelihood, it appears to be a well thought of design to market Hindutva in the Dalit bazar that has so far kept the Hindutva hawkers at a bay.

Why BJP's presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind is an "exceptional" Dalit

<p>The Dalit outreach of BJP has become evident with its choice of elevating Governor of Bihar Ram Nath Kovind as the next president of India. There is no doubt that Mr. Kovind on his own is a qualified lawyer and was nominated to Rajya Sabha twice by the party. He not only served on important parliamentary panels but also worked for the organisation. But for good or bad, his Dalit identity would remain the prism through which his election to the high office would be observed because Mr. Kovind belongs to the Kori community within Dalit umbrella. They belong to a less privileged section within Dalits which, in general parlance, are described as non-Jatavs. Post-independence, the Jatavs continue to dominate leadership position within Dalits but Mr. Kovind&rsquo;s candidature might change the game in favour of the non-Jatavs.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
It is well-known that BJP over the past three years has been the target of stringent criticism from the Congress and other Opposition parties on the larger Dalit issue. Despite getting a good portion of the non-Jatav vote in various assembly elections, various episodes were placing the ruling party in discomfiture. For instance, the BJP had come under considerable attack from the Congress after Rohith Vemula episode. Then came the elections in Bihar and much-contested statement of RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat on reservations. BJP tried its best during assembly election to damage control but the statement had cost BJP the Bihar elections.</p>

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<p>BJP&rsquo;s problem further got complicated because of the rise of cow vigilantes and violence they perpetrated. Social media has been flooded with the so-called cow rakshaks mercilessly beating up Dalits who have a considerable presence in the skinning business. Many academicians also argued that by depriving beef to Dalits, the ruling class has ended up depriving cheap source of protein to the most oppressed section of the Indian state. This recurrent theme got married to the issues Congress picked up related to the farming sector through first three years.</p>

<p>On the surface, BJP remained dismissive about the criticism but the party leadership did understand that the debate over the Dalit cause held the potential to paint BJP as anti-Dalit and pro-industrialists in front of the electorate.</p>

<p>By selecting Kovind, BJP wants to rest the debate on Dalit issue. The aim is not to create a consensus on the name but to push a candidate who can send a strong signal to the Dalit community that this choice was made with a purpose.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The message being that BJP remains committed to the Dalit cause. This is the reason why that BJP President Amit Shah continues to break bread with Dalits all through the expansion programme of BJP in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress may accuse BJP of symbolism but it also took the credit for making KR Narayanan as the first Dalit President of the Indian Republic. It is also not without reason that Mallikarjun Kharge is the leader of the Congress Party in Lok Sabha and Gulam Nabi Azad in Rajya Sabha. Former is a senior politician from Karnataka and a Dalit and latter hails from Jammu and a Muslim. The Gandhi-Nehru family members position themselves as Pandits from Kashmir, and through every important appointment, they try to recreate the triad of Muslim, Dalit and Brahmin. This community alliance building is something which former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi excelled at through her career.</p>

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<p>Another reason for this decision is that today BJP might have strong upper caste and OBC faces through India but doesn&rsquo;t have a pan-Indian Dalit leader in its stable. For that matter, even Congress doesn&rsquo;t have a Dalit leader to use as a poster boy but the party, at least, have a history of Dalit leadership, starting from non-other than the Father of the Indian Constitution Bhim Rao Ambedkar. Other Dalit leaders belonging to non-Congress fold like Mayawati remain rooted to state politics.</p>

<p>By elevating Mr. Kovind through a non-electoral and non- organisational process, BJP is making the benchmark for Dalit politics tougher for the UPA. The Opposition will need to be creative in fielding a candidate against Ram Nath Kovind. It will need to portray a face which either outshines the imagination around Mr. Kovind or be able to replace the very discourse on which his selection has taken place.</p>

<p>Through the first three years, the Opposition had the upper hand on the narrative on Dalit politics. This is BJP&rsquo;s fitting answer to it. However, one will have to wait to see whether this act, in the long run, alter the electoral arithmetic for BJP or just dies after creating a noise on the mainstream and social media.</p>


With Kovind as the presidential candidate, BJP sends out the message of its commitment to the Dalit cause, particularly to the non-Jatavs

The Dalit outreach of BJP has become evident with its choice of elevating Governor of Bihar Ram Nath Kovind as the next president of India. There is no doubt that Mr. Kovind on his own is a qualified lawyer and was nominated to Rajya Sabha twice by the party. He not only served on important parliamentary panels but also worked for the organisation. But for good or bad, his Dalit identity would remain the prism through which his election to the high office would be observed because Mr. Kovind belongs to the Kori community within Dalit umbrella. They belong to a less privileged section within Dalits which, in general parlance, are described as non-Jatavs. Post-independence, the Jatavs continue to dominate leadership position within Dalits but Mr. Kovind’s candidature might change the game in favour of the non-Jatavs. It is well-known that BJP over the past three years has been the target of stringent criticism from the Congress and other Opposition parties on the larger Dalit issue. Despite getting a good portion of the non-Jatav vote in various assembly elections, various episodes were placing the ruling party in discomfiture. For instance, the BJP had come under considerable attack from the Congress after Rohith Vemula episode. Then came the elections in Bihar and much-contested statement of RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat on reservations. BJP tried its best during assembly election to damage control but the statement had cost BJP the Bihar elections. Post-independence, the Jatavs continue to dominate leadership position within Dalits but Mr. Kovind’s candidature might change the game in favour of the non-Jatavs × BJP’s problem further got complicated because of the rise of cow vigilantes and violence they perpetrated. Social media has been flooded with the so-called cow rakshaks mercilessly beating up Dalits who have a considerable presence in the skinning business. Many academicians also argued that by depriving beef to Dalits, the ruling class has ended up depriving cheap source of protein to the most oppressed section of the Indian state. This recurrent theme got married to the issues Congress picked up related to the farming sector through first three years. On the surface, BJP remained dismissive about the criticism but the party leadership did understand that the debate over the Dalit cause held the potential to paint BJP as anti-Dalit and pro-industrialists in front of the electorate. By selecting Kovind, BJP wants to rest the debate on Dalit issue. The aim is not to create a consensus on the name but to push a candidate who can send a strong signal to the Dalit community that this choice was made with a purpose. The message being that BJP remains committed to the Dalit cause. This is the reason why that BJP President Amit Shah continues to break bread with Dalits all through the expansion programme of BJP in India. Congress may accuse BJP of symbolism but it also took the credit for making KR Narayanan as the first Dalit President of the Indian Republic. It is also not without reason that Mallikarjun Kharge is the leader of the Congress Party in Lok Sabha and Gulam Nabi Azad in Rajya Sabha. Former is a senior politician from Karnataka and a Dalit and latter hails from Jammu and a Muslim. The Gandhi-Nehru family members position themselves as Pandits from Kashmir, and through every important appointment, they try to recreate the triad of Muslim, Dalit and Brahmin. This community alliance building is something which former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi excelled at through her career. The Gandhi-Nehru family members position themselves as Pandits from Kashmir, and through every important appointment, they try to recreate the triad of Muslim, Dalit and Brahmin × Another reason for this decision is that today BJP might have strong upper caste and OBC faces through India but doesn’t have a pan-Indian Dalit leader in its stable. For that matter, even Congress doesn’t have a Dalit leader to use as a poster boy but the party, at least, have a history of Dalit leadership, starting from non-other than the Father of the Indian Constitution Bhim Rao Ambedkar. Other Dalit leaders belonging to non-Congress fold like Mayawati remain rooted to state politics. By elevating Mr. Kovind through a non-electoral and non- organisational process, BJP is making the benchmark for Dalit politics tougher for the UPA. The Opposition will need to be creative in fielding a candidate against Ram Nath Kovind. It will need to portray a face which either outshines the imagination around Mr. Kovind or be able to replace the very discourse on which his selection has taken place. Through the first three years, the Opposition had the upper hand on the narrative on Dalit politics. This is BJP’s fitting answer to it. However, one will have to wait to see whether this act, in the long run, alter the electoral arithmetic for BJP or just dies after creating a noise on the mainstream and social media.

Ram Nath Kovind and BJP's grant Dalit outreach

<p><strong>By Ankit Saproo</strong></p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, president of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, surprised everyone when the BJP parliamentary board, in a meeting today, announced the name of Bihar&#39;s Governor Ram Nath Kovind as their pick for the Presidential elections slated to be held next month.</p>

<p>There were speculations&nbsp;that the BJP could choose from&nbsp;probables&nbsp;like external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Jharkhand Governor Draupadi Murmu as its presidential nominee. But putting all those rumours to rest, the parliamentary board meeting, headed by Prime Minister Modi, stamped its approval on someone who not many may&nbsp;know about but has risen through the party&#39;s rank and also headed BJP&#39;s Dalit Morcha from 1998 to 2002.</p>

<p>Ram Nath Kovind, a&nbsp;Dalit leader (Dalit is a term used for referring to the most marginalised community and figures lowest within the Hindu caste hierarchy), is a farmer&#39;s son and comes from Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. He came to Delhi and practised as a lawyer. Before joining the BJP, he worked as the private secretary of former Prime Minister Morarji Desai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kovind was twice elected to the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of the Parliament) in 1994 and again in 2000 from Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>If elected, Ram Nath Kovind will be the second president of India from a Dalit community&nbsp;after K R Narayanan and&nbsp;would also be the first full-time President from India&#39;s most populous state of Uttar Pradesh. Although&nbsp;Zakir Husain, the third President of India, was a prominent political face from the state of Uttar Pradesh, he was born in Hydearbad.</p>

<p>When Narendra Modi-led BJP government sent him to Bihar in 2015 as the Governor ahead of the assembly elections, the idea was to tap into the Dalit votes which were crucial to win the elections. The elections, however, went in favour of the JD(U) and RJD who cobbled an alliance to form the government in Bihar.</p>

<p>Kovind, whose association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is well known, is being seen as someone who could further boost the BJP-RSS combine&#39;s idea of uniting the wider Hindu Samaj (community). This could help improve BJP&#39;s prospects in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections which are just two years away.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, it would be difficult for the opposition led by the Congress party to oppose a Dalit face for the country&#39;s top job.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the support of many regional parties including Telangana Rashtra Samiti and YSR Congress, the BJP is confident of forming a consensus around Ram Nath Kovind as the republic&#39;s next President.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Ram Nath Kovind, who is currently the Governor of Bihar, was chosen as BJP's presidential nominee today

By Ankit Saproo Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, president of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, surprised everyone when the BJP parliamentary board, in a meeting today, announced the name of Bihar's Governor Ram Nath Kovind as their pick for the Presidential elections slated to be held next month. There were speculations that the BJP could choose from probables like external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Jharkhand Governor Draupadi Murmu as its presidential nominee. But putting all those rumours to rest, the parliamentary board meeting, headed by Prime Minister Modi, stamped its approval on someone who not many may know about but has risen through the party's rank and also headed BJP's Dalit Morcha from 1998 to 2002. Ram Nath Kovind, a Dalit leader (Dalit is a term used for referring to the most marginalised community and figures lowest within the Hindu caste hierarchy), is a farmer's son and comes from Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. He came to Delhi and practised as a lawyer. Before joining the BJP, he worked as the private secretary of former Prime Minister Morarji Desai. Kovind was twice elected to the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of the Parliament) in 1994 and again in 2000 from Uttar Pradesh. If elected, Ram Nath Kovind will be the second president of India from a Dalit community after K R Narayanan and would also be the first full-time President from India's most populous state of Uttar Pradesh. Although Zakir Husain, the third President of India, was a prominent political face from the state of Uttar Pradesh, he was born in Hydearbad. When Narendra Modi-led BJP government sent him to Bihar in 2015 as the Governor ahead of the assembly elections, the idea was to tap into the Dalit votes which were crucial to win the elections. The elections, however, went in favour of the JD(U) and RJD who cobbled an alliance to form the government in Bihar. Kovind, whose association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is well known, is being seen as someone who could further boost the BJP-RSS combine's idea of uniting the wider Hindu Samaj (community). This could help improve BJP's prospects in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections which are just two years away. Moreover, it would be difficult for the opposition led by the Congress party to oppose a Dalit face for the country's top job. With the support of many regional parties including Telangana Rashtra Samiti and YSR Congress, the BJP is confident of forming a consensus around Ram Nath Kovind as the republic's next President.

Ram Nath Kovind: BJP's Dalit face for Presidential polls could be the first UP-born President

<p>Stumped by Modi-Shah&#39;s presidential choice as&nbsp;BJP announced the name of UP-born Ram Nath Kovind, the opposition led by BSP chief&nbsp;Mayawati was quick to react, insisting she does not agree with the politics from which&nbsp;Kovind comes referring to his &#39;RSS credentials&#39;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BSP chief Mayawati said that it would have been better if the BJP had announced a Dalit face from a non-political background while taking on the ruling party at the Centre.</p>

<p>On extending support to Kovind, she said that it would depend upon the opposition&#39;s choice of candidate.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We are also of the opinion that it would have been better if NDA had named some non political Dalit person as President nominee:Mayawati</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/876762221941989380">June 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Despite expressing her support for National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Presidential nominee Bihar Governor Ramnath Kovind, Bahujan Samaj Party Chief Mayawati on Monday said the Centre should have taken all Opposition parties in &#39;good faith&#39; (WION)</p>
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<p>Sitaram Yechury, CPM&nbsp;general secretary&nbsp;said that Ram Nath Kovind headed the Dalit wing of the RSS and by announcing his name, the BJP has made the presidential election a political fight.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RamNathKovind?src=hash">#RamNathKovind</a> ji RSS ke Dalit sakha ke pramukh thay, wo ek rajneeti hua na. Ye seedhi seedhi rajneetik takrao hai: Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M) <a href="https://t.co/UNccsWOUrV">pic.twitter.com/UNccsWOUrV</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/876750394457587712">June 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said the BJP members had told them&nbsp;that they&nbsp;would inform the name&nbsp;of the candidate before announcing the name&nbsp;but they failed to do it.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BJP leaders when they met us said will inform you before any announcement for a consensus,but they informed after decision:GN Azad,Cong</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/876743896188854272">June 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee focused on the political background of Ram Nath Kovind tweeting: &quot;There are other big Dalit leaders in India. He( #RamNathKovind) was the leader of the Dalit morcha of the BJP, so they have made him a&nbsp;candidate.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There are other big Dalit leaders in India. He( <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RamNathKovind?src=hash">#RamNathKovind</a>) was leader of Dalit Morcha of BJP, so they have made him candidate: WB CM</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/876758866523848704">June 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Bihar&nbsp;chief minister Nitish Kumar, who met the Bihar governor after his name was announced by the BJP parliamentary board meeting, said that it was a &quot;matter of happiness&quot; for him. On supporting Kovind, the Bihar chief minister was clearly evasive saying &quot;it is too early to comment&quot;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Matter of happiness for me personally. As far as support is concerned, can&#39;t say anything right now. it is too early to say: Nitish Kumar. <a href="https://t.co/EmccQ2krPl">pic.twitter.com/EmccQ2krPl</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/876754665102229504">June 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>BJP&#39;s ally and NDA constituent Shiv Sena, which has been at loggerheads with the BJP in Maharashtra, said that the party will decide on the issue in a few days. Uddhav Thackeray said that if someone is trying to make a Dalit a President with the purpose of gaining a vote bank then the party will not support such a decision.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If someone is trying to make a Dalit a President with the purpose of gaining a vote bank then we are not with them: Uddhav Thackeray <a href="https://t.co/rFk8M7o0gy">pic.twitter.com/rFk8M7o0gy</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/876805590185525249">June 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The opposition was stumped by the choice of BJP's Presidential candidate

Stumped by Modi-Shah's presidential choice as BJP announced the name of UP-born Ram Nath Kovind, the opposition led by BSP chief Mayawati was quick to react, insisting she does not agree with the politics from which Kovind comes referring to his 'RSS credentials'. BSP chief Mayawati said that it would have been better if the BJP had announced a Dalit face from a non-political background while taking on the ruling party at the Centre. On extending support to Kovind, she said that it would depend upon the opposition's choice of candidate. We are also of the opinion that it would have been better if NDA had named some non political Dalit person as President nominee:Mayawati — ANI (@ANI_news) June 19, 2017 × Despite expressing her support for National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Presidential nominee Bihar Governor Ramnath Kovind, Bahujan Samaj Party Chief Mayawati on Monday said the Centre should have taken all Opposition parties in 'good faith' (WION) × Sitaram Yechury, CPM general secretary said that Ram Nath Kovind headed the Dalit wing of the RSS and by announcing his name, the BJP has made the presidential election a political fight. #RamNathKovind ji RSS ke Dalit sakha ke pramukh thay, wo ek rajneeti hua na. Ye seedhi seedhi rajneetik takrao hai: Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M) pic.twitter.com/UNccsWOUrV — ANI (@ANI_news) June 19, 2017 × Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said the BJP members had told them that they would inform the name of the candidate before announcing the name but they failed to do it. BJP leaders when they met us said will inform you before any announcement for a consensus,but they informed after decision:GN Azad,Cong — ANI (@ANI_news) June 19, 2017 × West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee focused on the political background of Ram Nath Kovind tweeting: "There are other big Dalit leaders in India. He( #RamNathKovind) was the leader of the Dalit morcha of the BJP, so they have made him a candidate." There are other big Dalit leaders in India. He( #RamNathKovind) was leader of Dalit Morcha of BJP, so they have made him candidate: WB CM — ANI (@ANI_news) June 19, 2017 × Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, who met the Bihar governor after his name was announced by the BJP parliamentary board meeting, said that it was a "matter of happiness" for him. On supporting Kovind, the Bihar chief minister was clearly evasive saying "it is too early to comment". Matter of happiness for me personally. As far as support is concerned, can't say anything right now. it is too early to say: Nitish Kumar. pic.twitter.com/EmccQ2krPl — ANI (@ANI_news) June 19, 2017 × BJP's ally and NDA constituent Shiv Sena, which has been at loggerheads with the BJP in Maharashtra, said that the party will decide on the issue in a few days. Uddhav Thackeray said that if someone is trying to make a Dalit a President with the purpose of gaining a vote bank then the party will not support such a decision. If someone is trying to make a Dalit a President with the purpose of gaining a vote bank then we are not with them: Uddhav Thackeray pic.twitter.com/rFk8M7o0gy — ANI (@ANI_news) June 19, 2017 ×

BJP's Presidential pick: Mayawati, opposition target Kovind's 'RSS background'

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