The stage is all set for the election of the 14th President of India in a contest in which National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate Ram Nath Kovind has a clear edge in the electoral college over the opposition nominee Meira Kumar. The total value of votes of the electoral college is 10,98,903, and the NDA candidate is slated to cross the halfway-mark and get about 63 per cent votes. Kovind, who belongs to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has the backing of all the party’s allies besides several regional parties, while Kumar has been fielded by the Congress and some major opposition parties in what they call an “ideological battle” against the ruling party. Both Kovind and Kumar are from the Dalit community and have canvassed hard by visiting states to seek support of legislators. [caption id=“attachment_3821405” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah and BJP Senior leader LK Advani. PTI[/caption] All arrangements have been completed for the presidential election, and polling will take place in Parliament House and respective state assemblies between 10 am and 5 pm. Elected members of both houses of Parliament and assemblies in states, including the National Capital Region of Delhi and the Union Territory of Puducherry, are eligible to vote. In a last-minute appeal ahead of Monday’s election, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Sunday
urged members to “vote their conscience” while attacking the Narendra Modi government for trying to impose “narrow-minded, divisive and communal vision” on the country. Addressing a meeting of several Opposition parties on the eve of the poll, she said the election represented “a clash of ideas” and “a conflict of disparate values”. Modi, on the other hand, said NDA nominee Ram Nath Kovind had the
support of 40 parties and expressed confidence about his victory. The prime minister urged the alliance lawmakers, including legislators in the states, to cast their ballots. Parliamentary affairs minister HN Ananth Kumar later said that the meeting, held in the Parliament House Library building was also addressed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah and leaders of other alliance parties, including Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan and Shiromani Akali Dal’s Harsimrat Kaur Badal. Kumar said Modi noted that chief ministers of Odisha, Bihar, Telangana and Tamil Nadu had extended their support to Kovind. Modi was quoted as saying that there was “clarity” about the presidential poll and the “road ahead is also clear”. Before addressing NDA MPs, Modi also addressed a meeting of BJP parliamentary party executive committee. Those present included party leaders LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, M Venkaiah Naidu, Ananth Kumar and Thawar Chand Gehlot, besides Shah. Modi asked them to ensure the presence of MPs during the House proceedings. Since the election is through a secret ballot, the parties cannot round up their members and make sure they vote for a particular candidate. Election for the next President of India begins today: NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind is pitted against Opposition nominee Meira Kumar. The counting of votes will take place on 20 July in New Delhi where all the ballot boxes will be brought from various state capitals. The electorate, comprising elected Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members and members of state Assemblies, is tilted in favour of the NDA, but the Opposition is still working to seek support of some regional parties in favour of their candidate. The NDA, led by the BJP, has
5,37,683 votes , which includes the Shiv Sena. They’re short by around 12,000 votes. But 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. Alluding to the NDA nominee having an edge in both elections, Sonia said: “…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.” “This election represents a clash of ideas, a conflict of disparate values. The election demands a vote of conscience to preserve the India that the Mahatma and that illustrious generation of freedom fighters, joined by thousands upon thousands of ordinary men and women, fought for,” she added. Noting that both the president and vice-president were entrusted to discharge the duties in a manner that preserves, protects and defends both the Constitution and the law, “both of these are, sadly, under siege today”, she said: “We must ensure, therefore, that the best minds and the best servants of India stand at the helm.” Monsoon Session begins today The day also marks the
beginning of the Monsoon Session which is expected to be
stormy with the Opposition parties all set to corner the government over a range of issues concerning national security, foreign policy and other domestic matters while the ruling alliance is gearing up to counter the onslaught on it. Opposition parties are expected to raise the military stand-off with China, though in a restrained manner, the law and order situation in Kashmir in the wake of the recent terror attack on Amarnath pilgrims and incidents of lynching over beef controversy and suicide of farmers in some states. The Opposition parties that include the Congress, CPM, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, Nationalist Congress Party, BSP, Janata Dal-United, the Rashtriya Janata Dal and DMK among others, have already clarified that besides the elections of the president and vice-president, they will coordinate on the Parliament floor to corner the government. With inputs from agencies
Vice Presidential Election 2017 highlights: Venkaiah Naidu is NDA candidate, to file nomination tomorrow
The counting of votes for presidential elections 2017 will take place on 20 July in New Delhi where all the ballot boxes will be brought from various state capitals.
 "Vice Presidential Election 2017 highlights: Venkaiah Naidu is NDA candidate, to file nomination tomorrow")
Sumitra Mahajan expresses hope that Kovind will work for all
Confident that he (Ram Nath Kovind) will work for all from his position.Had very good experience with Pranab Da: Lok Sabha Speaker S Mahajan pic.twitter.com/4URZdxrXXo
— ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2017
Kovind’s victory marks an important milestone in political history: Mufti
#RamNathKovind's victory marks an important milestone in the political history. It reflects empowerment of weaker sections of society:J&K CM pic.twitter.com/4SWFqLitPY
— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 20, 2017
Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal congratulates Kovind over phone
Congratulations to #RamNathKovind for being elected as 14th President of India. The nation has got an honest & dedicated President: Assam CM pic.twitter.com/O3Noq3n9gq
— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 20, 2017
How easy was it for Ram Nath Kovind to win the election?
PM Modi felicitates Kovind
#WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah and Union Min Ananth Kumar felicitate President Elect #RamNathKovind in Delhi pic.twitter.com/YonlhKPtuW
— ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2017
Pranab Mukherjee sends his wishes to Kovind
Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Shri Ram Nath Kovind on being elected as the 14th President of India #PresidentMukherjee
— President Mukherjee (@POI13) July 20, 2017
In pictures: Modi meets Kovind and congratulates him for the win
Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets President Elect #RamNathKovind in Delhi, congratulates him on his victory pic.twitter.com/pAnH0LY7zR
— ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2017
A wave of joy sweeps Kovind’s hometown
From burning lamps using ghee, distributing sweets to welcoming guests with ‘gulaal’ and flowers, a festive spirit permeated the atmosphere in Jhinjhak, 160 kilometres from Lucknow. Family members of the newly-elected president, who will go to Delhi by train on 23 July, have already started buying clothes for the swearing in ceremony.
Ram Nath Kovind is known for his organisational skills and easy demeanor
Stepping away from quietude to the spotlight of constant scrutiny that comes with being the country’s first citizen, Kovind was picked for the job by the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) from Raj Bhavan in Patna, where he had struck an easy working relationship with Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar.
It was perhaps Kovind’s non-confrontational approach to politics that led the JD(U) chief to back him for the president’s office even though he had been critical of his appointment as the governor, but later it led to the curious situation of the party endorsing the opposition’s candidate Gopalkrishna Gandhi for the vice president’s post.
This easy demeanour has stood the Kanpur-born former lawyer in good stead, say political watchers. He is not just a Dalit leader, but is known for his organisational skills and is a loyal member of the BJP, attributes that not many in the larger NDA family can boast of.
PTI
Devendra Fadnavis sends his wishes
Maharashtra congratulates Shri #RamNathKovind Ji on being elected as the President of India with such great majority and support ! pic.twitter.com/QNHPXaT0yi
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) July 20, 2017
Never aspired to be the president: Ram Nath Kovind
After his landslide win, Ram Nath Kovind said that he never aspired to become the president of India and his win is a message to those discharging their duties with integrity.
Nitish Kumar congratulates Ram Nath Kovind
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar congratulates #RamNathKovind over phone for #PresidentialPoll2017 victory
— ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2017
Meira Kumar represented Congress’ dynasty culture: BJP
BJP spokesperson GVL Narsimha Rao said there were many to say that it was indeed an ideological contest with the NDA’s “merit-based” selection pitted against the dynasty promoted by the Congress-led alliance.
The Congress stood for “fake” slogans of Dalit empowerment as it did not field a Dalit when its candidate won the presidential elections in 2007 and 2012, he said.
Yogi Adityanath and Nitin Gadkari congratulate Kovind
#RamNathKovind's image is clean. I would like to congratulate #PresidentKovind on the behalf of Uttar Pradesh: CM @myogiadityanath pic.twitter.com/40rd8WxO2W
— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 20, 2017
I congratulate Ram Nath Kovind ji for his victory. It is a victory of the democracy: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari pic.twitter.com/zp9sfEeDTd
— ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2017
Watch Meira Kumar’s entire speech here
Best wishes with #PresidentKovind as it has fallen upon him to uphold Constitution in letter & spirit in these challenging times: #MeiraKumar pic.twitter.com/1pPIoAAq9Z
— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 20, 2017
Meira Kumar thanks everyone who voted for her
“I want to thank all members of collegium who have voted for me and all those who unanimously made me a candidate in this election. I want to thank all the citizens who supported me,” Kumar said.
Here’s a look at all the presidents of India
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) July 20, 2017
Meira Kumar congratulates Kovind, vows to continue fighting for secularism
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 fight for secularism, the oppressed & the marginalised continues.I thank all my well wishers for their support & good wishes.
— Meira Kumar (@meira_kumar) July 20, 2017
Watch Ram Nath Kovind’s entire speech
#PresidentKovind This is an emotional time for me. Would like to thank and congratulate Oppn candidate #MeiraKumar: President #RamNathKovind pic.twitter.com/bB6nbxp5iR
— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 20, 2017
It is a very emotional moment for me: Ram Nath Kovind
“I want to tell the people that Ram Nath Kovind is going to the Rashtrapati Bhawan as a representative of the poor,” said Kovind. He added that protecting the Constitution is his responsibility now.
Visuals from Ram Nath Kovind’s house
Celebrations in Madhya Pradesh's Guna at the house of President elect #RamNathKovind's brother. pic.twitter.com/yQdPiSh4lW
— ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2017
Wishes pour in for Ram Nath Kovind
Congratulations and good luck to Ram Nath Kovind ji, the new president of India.
— ashutosh (@ashutosh83B) July 20, 2017
Heartiest congratulations to Shri #RamNathKovind ji for being elected as the 14th President of India.
— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) July 20, 2017
Narendra Modi shares old picture with Kovind, says an honour to know him
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
Ram Nath Kovind is the 14th President of India: All you need to know about him
Kovind has a long career in politics behind him. He has headed the BJP’s Dalit Morcha and is among one of the few Dalit faces the party could boast of in it’s folds in north India. The party has also nominated him as its Rajya Sabha MP from the Hindi heartland twice in the past, where he enjoyed consecutive terms from 1994 for the next 12 year till March, 2006.
Read the entire article _here_
Narendra Modi congratulates Ram Nath Kovind and Meira Kumar
Congratulations to Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji on being elected the President of India! Best wishes for a fruitful & inspiring tenure.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 20, 2017
I also congratulate @meira_kumar Ji for her campaign, which was in spirit of the democratic ethos & values we all are proud of.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 20, 2017
Win of Ram Nath Kovind is a victory for the poor: Amit Shah
The election of Shri Ram Nath Kovind ji is a victory for the poor, downtrodden & marginalised and their aspirations.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 20, 2017
I thank BJP members, NDA family, other valued parties and leaders who supported Shri Ram Nath Kovind ji.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 20, 2017
The final picture after the counting
Ravi Shankar Prasad congratulates Kovind
Congratulations to Shri #RamNathKovind Ji on his victory in #PresidentialPoll2017. pic.twitter.com/JcjSJDarBq
— Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) July 20, 2017
BJP workers celebrate Kovind’s win
Anoop Mishra announces the next President of India
#BREAKING — #RamNathKovind has been elected as the new President of India: Anoop Mishra, Secretary-General Lok Sabha #PresidentKovind pic.twitter.com/exM7yeKma8
— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 20, 2017
Ram Nath Kovind’s hometown celebrates his win
#PresidentialPolls — #RamNathKovind’s hometown, Kanpur, erupts in joy after the big win #PresidentKovind pic.twitter.com/hBeZQC70Sr
— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 20, 2017
Here’s the vote break-up
Meira Kumar: 3,67,314
Ram Nath Kovind: 7,02,044
Total votes cast: 10,69,358
Cross-voting in Gujarat, Assam, Goa, Maharashta and Uttar Pradesh helped Kovind win
BREAKING | Ram Nath Kovind is the 14th President of India.
— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 20, 2017
Read more about his journey here: https://t.co/8iy5EYFVTk pic.twitter.com/yONK6aMkmO
Final count of the Presidential election
#BREAKING | 66% of votes in favour of #RamNathKovind, 34% in favour of #MeiraKumar: Sources #PresidentialPolls #KovindVsMeira #RaceToRaisina pic.twitter.com/ESti1JcyZt
— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 20, 2017
Here’s how Delhi voted
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