Vice Presidential Election 2017 highlights: Venkaiah Naidu is NDA candidate, to file nomination tomorrow

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Ram Nath Kovind

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

Ram Nath Kovind to be sworn in on 25 July

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.

Read more about his journey here: https://t.co/8iy5EYFVTk pic.twitter.com/yONK6aMkmO

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 20, 2017

Ram Nath Kovind is the 14th President of India

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

66% of votes in favour of Ram Nath Kovind

CNN-News18 reported that 66% of the votes have been cast in favour of Ram Nath Kovind and 34% in favour of Meira Kumar.

Omar Abdullah sends his wishes to Ram Nath Kovind

Heartiest congratulations to Ramnath Kovind Sahib as he goes on to assume the highest office in the land with all good wishes for his term. https://t.co/TuMajXhMsi

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) July 20, 2017

Ram Nath Kovind crosses half way mark

Ram Nath Kovind has crossed the half way mark as the last phase of counting is underway, ANI reported

Vote break-up in Delhi

#PresidentialPolls In Delhi, NDA candidate #RamNathKovind got 6 votes, while Oppn candidate #MeiraKumar got 55. 6 of the votes were rejected pic.twitter.com/hjQoADVWul

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 20, 2017

People offer prayers for Kovind’s win

Kanpur Dehat: People offer prayers for #RamNathKovind in anticipation of his win in #PresidentialPolls #MeiraKumar #RaceToRaisina | ANI pic.twitter.com/TYTcQ2pRgf

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 20, 2017

Meira Kumar gets 55 votes in Delhi

Ram Nath Kovind got six votes in Delhi while Meira Kumar got 55. Six of the votes were rejected.

Kovind’s village rejoices over his lead in the election
 

As #RamNathKovind leads by over 2.5 lakh votes in #PresidentialPolls , CNN-News18’s @pranshumisraa gets you the mood from Kovind’s village pic.twitter.com/K8AVdBSHyS

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 20, 2017

Mamata Banerjee sends early congratulations to Kovind

Congratulations to Ram Nath Kovind Ji, who will be our next President

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 20, 2017

Ram Nath Kovind leads by huge margin

Ram Nath Kovind is leading with a handsome margin in the Presidential contest against Meira Kumar. He is expected to win the race for the top constitutional post given that the BJP and its allies have a majority in electoral college comprising Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assemblies of all states.A formal announcement of the winner is expected by 5 pm.

PTI

Here’s the final count after voting in Parliament and 11 states

#RamNathKovind got 1389/479585, #MeiraKumar 576/204594, 37 invalid after counting for Parliament &11 states: Anoop Mishra, Returning officer pic.twitter.com/wy0pq6uJ42

— ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2017

Here’s how Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Haryana voted

Cross-voting took place in favour of Ram Nath Kovind

#KovindVsMeira | Cross-voting has taken place in Goa & Gujarat. Both in favour of NDA nominee #RamNathKovind

LIVE: https://t.co/Bvjew0DGna pic.twitter.com/MmN6nSLkXU

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 20, 2017

4,896 voters were eligible to cast their ballot

A total of 4,896 voters, 4,120 MLAs and 776 elected MPs, were eligible to cast their ballot. The value of an MLA’s vote depends on the population of his or her state and the value of an MP’s vote remains fixed at 708.

Meira Kumar refuses to comment on cross-voting

According to Financial Express , Kumar said, “I don’t want to use this word and everybody has the right to vote according to his or her wish.”

News18 reported that cross-voting had taken place Goa and Gujarat in the favour of Ram Nath Kovind.

Another infographic explaining the break-up of votes in the other four states

Here’s an infographic explaining the break-up of votes in the first four states:

Meira Kumar leads in Kerala: Times Now

State-wise break up of votes so far

Andhra Pradesh: Kovind — 27,189; Kumar — 0

Arunachal Pradesh: Kovind — 448; Kumar — 24

Assam: Kovind — 10,556; Kumar — 4,060

Bihar: Kovind — 60,683; Kumar — 22,951

Chhattisgarh: Kovind — 6,708; Kumar — 4,515

Goa: Kovind — 500; Kumar — 220

Gujarat: Kovind — 19,404; Kumar — 7,203

Haryana: Kovind — 8,176; Kumar — 1,792

Himachal Pradesh: Kovind — 1,530; Kumar — 1,887

Jammu and Kashmir: Kovind — 4,032; Kumar — 2,160

Jharkhand: Kovind — 8,976; Kumar — 4,576

As of now, the total number of votes polled are 6,84,179. There are 37 invalid votes.

Ram Nath Kovind has 4,79,585 votes while Meira Kumar has 2,04,594.

Meira Kumar says she is not upset

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) July 20, 2017

State-wise break up of votes

According to News18 , Ram Nath Kovind got 27,189 votes from Andhra Pradesh while Meira Kumar got none. Fron Arunachal Pradesh, Kovind got 448 votes while Kumar got 24. From Assam, Kovind got 10,556 while Kumar got 460.

From Bihar, Kovind got 22,460 votes while Kumar got 18,867.

Kovind bags 60,683 votes

#PresidentialPoll2017: NDA's #RamNathKovind leading with 60,683 votes, UPA's #MeiraKumar at 22,941.

— ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2017

Ram Nath Kovind leads over Meira Kumar after first round of counting ends: Reports

According to Financial Express , Kovind is leading over Kumar from states like Bihar and Assam.

Celebrations in Kanpur continue

Kanpur: People at village of NDA's presidential candidate #RamNathKovind celebrate and offer prayers in anticipation of his win pic.twitter.com/c2sTHK6OQT

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) July 20, 2017

Focus not on results, but margin

While Ram Nath Kovind’s election as India’s 14th President is almost a foregone conclusion, as the ballots are being counted, the focus will be on the margin of victory. And conversely, the margin of defeat for Opposition candidate Meira Kumar.

The result will tell us, more than anything else, the index of Opposition unity. The margin shall also indicate the extent of unity of the 18 Opposition parties, and whether or not this amorphous group will be able to throw a worthwhile challenge to the ruling coalition in 2019. More than 70 percent votes for Kovind, for instance, would point to cross-voting in favour of ruling coalition.

‘Mere baba ki bani sarkar, aaj mujhe nachne de!’

“Narendra Modiji and Amit Shahji put the son of a poor farmer on the chair of the president. Our entire village thanks them,” said a man from Ram Nath Kovind’s village Paraukh.

People were singing songs, shouting slogans in support of Kovind and BJP and dancing as the day progressed.

“Mere baba ki bani sarkar, aaj mujhe nachne de!” sang one of the villagers celebrating.

Did you know that Ram Nath Kovind’s career as a lawyer spanned over 16 years?

For all you need to know about the NDA presidential candidate, click here .

How Kovind as president will help Modi govt

Political commentators have called Kovind’s nomination to India’s top constitutional post as BJP’s ploy to shed its upper-caste image and woo the Dalit community, especially in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

While Kovind’s Dalit background may have been a reason for his elevation, the former Bihar Governor can also help the NDA to get his assent on key bills, especially through the ordinances route.

Read the full analysis here .

Celebrations continue in Paraukh

Villagers getting ready to celebrate #RamNathKovind's victory in #PresidentialPolls at his native village of Paraukh https://t.co/YrBGMKWH5N pic.twitter.com/egZJ9ATorN

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 20, 2017

Watch full video of Meira Kumar’s statements to reporters here:

#PresidentialElection | Fighting polls based on our ideology: Meira Kumar #KovindVsMeira pic.twitter.com/8R79QCl8i4

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 20, 2017

Great belief in ideology I fought for,also believe in inner voice of conscience lets see how much it prevails: #MeiraKumar #PresidentialPoll pic.twitter.com/GIQxGPXX8H

— ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2017

We made the voices of people stronger: Meira Kumar

“Most of the people believe in a certain set of principles. We fought these elections on the basis of those principles,” Meira Kumar told reporters.

“We just made the voices of many people who believe in a certain set of principles stronger,” she said.

“This is my commitment. This is why I joined politics,” she added.

When asked about cross-voting, she said that such words should not be used for such elections.

“I also believe in the inner voice of conscience,” she also said.

Counting of votes begins

#Visuals Counting of votes for #PresidentialPoll2017 begins in Parliament pic.twitter.com/ffzK0u34CB

— ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2017

Losing won’t be the worst thing for Meira Kumar

Even if Meira Kumar loses the presidential poll, this could be the beginning of her story.

From the defeat of the presidential polls could rise the Opposition’s prime ministerial candidate for the 2019 elections.

Kumar is the best thing to have happened to the Opposition since VP Singh won a by-election in Allahabad three decades ago. If the Opposition carries forward its bonhomie, buries the egos of its prima donnas, Kumar could be a readymade candidate to take on Narendra Modi in 2019.

Read the full article here .

Know your presidential nominee: Ram Nath Kovind’s humble beginings made him NDA’s pick

The 71-year-old BJP politician known to keep a low profile, is now tipped to become the President of India, if speculations by media reports turn out to be trues. A farmer’s son hailing from a small village near Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Kovind’s humble origins and simple lifestyle were stressed by BJP leaders. His caste identity further forked a pitched battle, with the NDA claiming to have nominated a member of the Dalit community for the highest constitutional post in India.

The former Bihar Governor is also a trained lawyer and a constitutional expert, who is known to have worked on Dalit issues.

Celebrations have already begun in Kanpur

Celebrations in advance, joyous mood in Kanpur -- Stage set for the 14th President of India.#RaceToRaisina -- Counting begins at 11 AM pic.twitter.com/tY3EFqDqP9

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 20, 2017

People in Kovind’s village set for celebration

Hindustan Times reports that people in Ram Nath Kovind’s village Paraukh in Uttar Pradesh are “glued to their TV sets and radios” as Kovind is expected to win the election.

NDA’s move was a political masterstroke

The selection of Ram Nath Kovind as NDA’s presidential candidate is a politically astute move. It goes to show just why Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are politicians 24×7.

They have set very clear-cut goals within definite time frames and are pushing ahead to meet targets relentlessly. In the chaotic, ad hoc and rambunctious landscape of Indian politics, Modi and Shah have been, to a large extent, successful in introducing order, planning and method. Their effectiveness is evident in BJP’s continuous electoral success.

Read the full article here .

Ram Nath Kovind expected to get almost 70 percent votes

According to NDTV , NDA’s presidential candidate Kovind is set for victory as he is expected to win 70 percent of the votes for a comfortable victory.

(Updates begin for 20 July)

Counting to begin at 11 am

M Venkaiah Naidu offered sweets by his wife Usha at his home, after he was announced as the NDA’s vice-presidential candidate in New Delhi

Narendra Modi calls up Nitish Kumar, Sharad Pawar and Sharad Yadav for vice-presidential elections 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called up chief ministers of Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh and senior leaders including Sharad Pawar seeking their support, a source in the government said. Modi sought the support of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E K Palaniswami, Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu, Telangana CM K Chandrashekar Rao, NCP leader Sharad Pawar and JD (U) leader Sharad Yadav, the source told PTI.

Venkaiah Naidu is NDA’s vice-presidential candidate: All you need to know about the BJP veteran

Naidu started his political journey as a student leader in 1971. The BJP veteran, who is a key member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet, had cut his political teeth during the Emergency of 1975-77 when he went underground against the government of Indira Gandhi and eventually got jailed. Read the full profile  here .

Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leader K Kavitha extends support to NDA vice-presidential candidate M Venkaiah Naidu 

#VenkaiahNaidu ji being very senior parliamentarian, that too fellow Telugu, our party has decided to support his candidature: K Kavitha,TRS pic.twitter.com/RT41X5raLM

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

AIADMK (Puratchi Thalaivi Amma) leader O Panneerselvam extends his support for M Venkaiah Naidu, ANI reports 

Former Tamil Nadu CM O Panneerselvam extends support to NDA #VicePresidential candidate #VenkaiahNaidu. pic.twitter.com/SRib2ZKxgP

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

Narendra Modi may go for Cabinet expansion as Venkaiah Naidu’s nomination likely to vacate two portfolios

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to go for a Cabinet expansion as senior minister M Venkaiah Naidu’s almost certain election as the next vice president will leave two heavyweight portfolios without a Cabinet minister. Naidu, whose candidature as the NDA’s vice presidential candidate was announced on Monday, currently holds charge of the ministries of Information and Broadcasting and Urban Development. Read more here .

Minister of Home Affairs Rajnath Singh congratulates Venkaiah Naidu 

Venkaiah ji has not only played his role and fulfilled responsibilities as a political worker but also as a socio-political activist: HM pic.twitter.com/t7PEoerfsM

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

Congratulations pour in for NDA vice-presidential candidate M Venkaiah Naidu 

Congratulations & best wishes to @MVenkaiahNaidu ji on being nominated as the #NDA candidate for #VicePresidential elections 2017. pic.twitter.com/g5r4kOIuLa

— Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) July 17, 2017

Heartiest Congratulations to senior parliamentarian @MVenkaiahNaidu ji for being nominated as @BJP4India #VicePresidential Candidate.

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 17, 2017

Heartiest congratulations @MVenkaiahNaidu ji for being nominated as NDA's #VicePresidential candidate. Best wishes!

— Dr Raman Singh (@drramansingh) July 17, 2017

I am personally very happy about this. I have been lucky to have received Venkaiah ji's guidance since my Yuva Morcha days. https://t.co/0dNY01spJk

— Syed Shahnawaz Hussain (@ShahnawazBJP) July 17, 2017

Each & every worker of BJP elated by Venkaiyaji's choice for VP.

— Sushil Kumar Modi (@SushilModi) July 17, 2017

Biju Janata Dal party leader Baijayant Jay Panda on Venkaiah Naidu’s nomination

BJD to soon decide whom we'll support as #VicePresident. Meantime I'm glad Venkaiah Naidu ji is a candidate. I've long known & respctd him🙏🏻

— Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) July 17, 2017

Piyush Goyal on Venkaiah Naidu 

“Congratulations to farmer’s son, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu on becoming NDA’s Vice Presidential candidate. A life dedicated to upholding democracy,” Goyal tweeted about the NDA candidate. 

Venkaiah ji's contribution has been immense, will miss a good leader.Dignity of VP post will further enhance,I'm sure:Piyush Goyal,Power Min pic.twitter.com/jh6tWqpXzT

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

Arun Jaitley on Venkaiah Naidu 

Stating that Naidu has “has admirers across political lines,” finance and defence minister Arun Jaitley said that Naidu is an ideal candidate for the constitutional office of vice president. 

A seasoned politician of humble background @MVenkaiahNaidu ji's experience traverses vast spectrum of public life & is an apt VP candidate.

— Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) July 17, 2017

Sh @MVenkaiahNaidu ji has admirers across political lines. He is an ideal candidate for the constitutional office of Vice President of India

— Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) July 17, 2017

Amit Shah congratulates Venkaiah Naidu

“By endorsing a farmer’s son for the post of Vice President of India, BJP has honoured millions of farmers across the country,” Amit Shah said on Twitter while congratulating Naidu for being the unanimous choice of NDA for the office of vice president.

By endorsing a farmer's son for the post of Vice President of India, BJP has honoured millions of farmers across the country.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 17, 2017

Shri @MVenkaiahNaidu has had a long and illustrious career in public life spanning over 4 decades and shouldered multiple responsibilities.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 17, 2017

Close to 99 per cent voting witnessed in presidential elections

Close to 99 percent voting was recorded today for electing India’s 14th president, the returning officer for the poll announced. Lok Sabha secretary general Anoop Mishra, who is also the returning officer for the polls, said that while the sanctioned strength of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha is 776, 771 MPs were eligible to cast their votes. Read more here .

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Naidu

Naqvi lauded Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah for the nomination of Venkaiah Naidu. He added that, “Undoubtedly, M Venkaiah Naidu’s vast political and parliamentary experience, commitment towards farmers’ welfare will benefit the nation.”

PM Sh @narendramodi ,BJP chief Sh @AmitShah has made country proud by nominating Sh @MVenkaiahNaidu , a farmer's son, as NDA’s VP candidate.

— Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi (@naqvimukhtar) July 17, 2017

Glimpses of BJP Parliamentary Board Meeting at BJP HQ, New Delhi. pic.twitter.com/t7o3wTPLWW

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 17, 2017

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan on Naidu’s candidature

“A farmer’s son will become the next Vice President, Venkaiah ji is a dedicated person. It is a matter of great happiness,” Chouhan said about the NDA pick for the vice-presidential elections

A farmer's son will become the next Vice President, Venkaiah ji is a dedicated person. Matter of great happiness: MP CM Shivraj Chouhan pic.twitter.com/9ZedjLnPPD

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

Chandrababu Naidu expressed his happiness over the nomination of Venkaiah Naidu as the NDA vice presidential candidate, adding that he is suitable for the role of vice president ‘in all ways’

Experienced & veteran Venkaiah Naidu is suitable for the role of #VicePresident in all ways: Chandrababu Naidu, Andhra Pradesh CM pic.twitter.com/mIf3jyToIT

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

Narendra Modi tweets about NDA vice-presidential candidate Venkaiah Naidu  

“A farmer’s son, Venkaiah Naidu Garu brings years of experience in public life and is admired across the political spectrum,” Modi said about the urban development minister. “The years of Parliamentary experience M Venkaiah Naidu Garu has will help him discharge the important role of Rajya Sabha Chairperson,” the prime minister added. 

A farmer’s son, @MVenkaiahNaidu Garu brings years of experience in public life and is admired across the political spectrum.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 17, 2017

Narendra Modi on Venkaiah Naidu 

“I know Venkaiah Naidu Garu for years. Have always admired his hardwork and tenacity. A fitting candidate for the office of Vice President,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said about Naidu’s candidature.  

Delhi: NDA #VicePresidential candidate Venkaiah Naidu with PM Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah at the party headquarters. pic.twitter.com/DTSr2LH6FO

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

Venkaiah Naidu is NDA’s nominee, to take on Opposition’s Gopalkrishna Gandhi

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Parliamentary Board met on Monday evening to narrow down on Venkaiah Naidu for the vice president candidature, according to IANS. Prime minister Narendra Modi reportedly attended the meeting. Earlier, Naidu had stated categorically that there was no chance of him contesting the vice-presidential election. Read more here .

Leave alone the race to Raisina, Congress looks out of shape for 2019 as well

Sonia Gandhi’s contention that the presidential poll is a “clash of ideas” and a “conflict of values” is unconvincing. It is evident that Congress is trying to make a virtue out of political helplessness, short as it is of crucial numbers in the polling game. It is also a hollow statement because the Congress clearly doesn’t practice what it preaches. 

Minister of Urban Development of India and NDA vice presidential candidate M Venkaiah Naidu will file his nomination on Tuesday

#VicePresidentialPolls: @MVenkaiahNaidu will file his nomination paper tomorrow pic.twitter.com/Jmo7dIreF0

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) July 17, 2017

All NDA parties have approved Venkaiah Naidu’s vice presidential candidature, Amit Shah announces. 

Venkaiah ji has a lot of experience, all NDA allies have welcomed this decision: BJP President Amit Shah at a press conference in Delhi pic.twitter.com/TM5thMiQmj

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

BJP President Amit Shah addresses the media in Delhi on vice presidential polls, announces M Venkaiah Naidu as NDA’s Vice Presidential candidate

#BJP Parliamentary Board meeting concluded at party headquarters in New Delhi.

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) July 17, 2017

100% polling recorded in Arunachal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal, Jharkhand, Nagaland, Uttarakhand and Puducherry

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) July 17, 2017

NDA candidate for vice president will file their nomination on Tuesday at 11, ANI reports. 

NDA candidate for Vice President to file nomination tomorrow at 11 am.

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

BJP board meeting on Vice Presidential candidate begins 

Delhi: BJP parliamentary board meeting on #VicePresidential candidate begins at the party headquarters. pic.twitter.com/6J4zGYnN4p

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

As protector of Constitution, president’s office should be above politics

The president is a key player in India’s political destiny. But it’s important that the bearer of the office be one who is above politics. The current presidential election is one of the most politically charged in history. How will this affect the tenure of the future president is one that will have to not just be examined by constitutional experts but also political ones.

All MLAs in Andhra Pradesh vote for presidential election

All the 175 MLAs in Andhra Pradesh exercised their franchise in the presidential polls. The polling took place smoothly at the committee hall in the AP Legislature building at Velagapudi. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Assembly Speaker Kodela Sivaprasada Rao were the first to cast their votes. Read more here .

Voting for presidential elections concludes at the Parliament House. The results will be announced on 20 July . 

Voting for #PresidentialPolls concludes at #ParliamentHouse. Result to be announced on Thursday.

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) July 17, 2017

Pinarayi Vijayan, MLAs vote in Kerala Assembly

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Ramesh Chennithala and legislators from the state cast their vote in the presidential election in Thiruvananthapuram. Vijayan and his cabinet colleagues along with CPM-led ruling LDF legislators exercised their vote at the state assembly. Read more here .

NCP rubbishes “rumours” of cross voting in polls 

The Nationalist Congress Party rubbished “rumours” that some of its MLAs and MPs may indulge in cross-voting in the presidential election and asserted that the party stands firmly with the UPA candidate Meira Kumar. Read more here .

Voting for presidential election ends in Madhya Pradesh 

“All the 228 MLAs in the electoral list cast their votes with special pens provided to them by 3.05 pm, almost two hours before the polling to close,” an Election Commission (EC) official told PTI. Earlier, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Leader of Opposition Ajay Singh were among the early voters. Read more here .

All 81 MLAs in Jharkhand Assembly cast votes in presidential elections 

The NDA polling agent at the Jharkhand Assembly polling station and urban development and transport minister CP Singh told media, all the 81 elected MLAs had exercised their franchise by 1.30 pm. As per the strategy made at Chief Minister Raghubar Das’ residence on Sunday, most of the NDA MLAs and other legislators supporting the NDA candidate, arrived together at around 11 am to cast their votes. Read more here .

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan casts her vote 

#LokSabha Speaker #SumitraMahajan casting her vote for the #PresidentialElection in #Parliament House pic.twitter.com/st0L63vRBu

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) July 17, 2017

Venkaiah Naidu on being the frontrunner for the NDA vice presidential candidate 

Venkaiah Naidu broke his silence about being the NDA frontrunner for the vice presidential elections, “I’m not aspiring to become anything, party finally decides about the candidature.” He said, adding that a meeting will take place at 6 pm on Monday. “All other things are only speculations. Whatever parliamentary board decides is final,” he added 

All other things are only speculations. Whatever Parliamentary Board decides is final: Venkaiah Naidu on #VicePresidential polls candidate pic.twitter.com/P8FEUbWzXL

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

Arunachal Pradesh MLAs cast vote in presidential elections

Of the total 59 members in a house of 60, 58 exercised their franchise in Arunachal Pradesh. The ruling BJP in the state has 47 MLAs while the Peoples’ Party of Arunachal (PPA), a constituent member of North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), has 9 members who are supporting the NDA presidential candidate. There are two independents and a lone Congress member in the House. The two independents are also supporting the NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind.

34 Mizoram legislators vote for presidential polls

Thirty four legislators in the 40-member Mizoram Assembly voted for the presidential election till on Monday, assistant returning officer for the polls SR Zokhuma said. Zokhuma told PTI that Mizoram finance minister Lalsawta and Assembly Speaker Hiphei were the early voters. The 34 Congress legislators were expected to support the Congress-led oppositions presidential candidate Meira Kumar while the five MNF members were expected to vote in favour of the ruling NDA nominee Ram Nath Kovind. Meanwhile, MPC Vice President Vanlalhlana said that the lone MPC legislator was authorised by the party high command to exercise his franchise freely. The value of a vote of each Mizoram legislator is eight. 

#Mizoram: Legislators casting their votes in the #PresidentialElection in Aizawl today. There are 40 MLAs in #MizoramLegislativeAssembly. pic.twitter.com/llm0KEMCHz

— AIR News Aizawl (@airnews_aizawl) July 17, 2017

Gopalkrishna Gandhi used ‘all his powers’ to save Yakub Memon, says Shiv Sena

Shiv Sena leader and Rajya Sabha member of Parliament Sanjay Raut questioned Opposition parties for fielding Gopalkrishna Gandhi for the vice-presidential election, saying the latter had been opposed to the death sentence of 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts convict Yakub Memon.  “I want to ask (Opposition) what kind of mindset is this,” he told reporters. Read more here .

Former Lok Sabha Speaker, Meira Kumar, will counter NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind’s claim to the Raisina Hill. Here’s all you need to know about the Opposition’s presidential candidate

From LK Advani and Sushma Swaraj to Farooq Abdullah, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, leaders arrive at the Parliament to cast their vote for the presidential polls 

Delhi: Earlier visuals of LK Advani, Sushma Swaraj, Farooq Abdullah, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi at the Parliament #PresidentialPoll2017 pic.twitter.com/WXI8TBrpzX

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

In case you missed it, here’s all you need to know about NDA presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind 

Voting in Rajasthan assembly ends

As many as 199 of the 200 Rajasthan assembly members have cast their votes in the Presidential election on Monday, official sources said.​ The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has 161 members and the Congress 24 in the 200-member assembly. Read more here .

Presidential poll over in Tamil Nadu

Voting for the presidential election in Tamil Nadu was over in just about two hours today with 232 legislators, Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan, and a Kerala MLA casting their votes at the Assembly secretariat conference hall in Chennai.

Chief Electoral Officer, Tamil Nadu, Rajesh Lakhoni said the ballot box would be sealed at 5 pm and taken to Delhi by a 9.10 pm flight.

PTI

Mamata Banerjee on supporting Meira Kumar

Talking to media persons, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said, “We voted for Meira Kumar to register our protest against “present atrocities” in the country.”

The Trinamool Congress had come out in support of Opposition’s candidate Meira Kumar. However, the Tripura branch decided to vote against Meira and backed Ram Nath Kovind. 

PTI

Mamata slams BJP, says voting against Ram Nath Kovind to seek justice

It's vote against injustice. For sake of country we urge everyone to not support BJP & stand beside ppl: WB CM on #PresidentialElection pic.twitter.com/g1cwAhcUtQ

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

NCP dismisses reports of cross voting

The NCP dismissed reports that its MPs and MLAs were voting for NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind. “The rumours are false. We are voting for our candidate Meira Kumar,” NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik told Hindustan Times.

Ram Nath Kovind will win comfortably, says BJP;  Meira Kumar best choice, claims Congress

As lawmakers voted to elect India’s next president, the ruling BJP exuded today confidence that NDA nominee Ram Nath Kovind would win with a

“comfortable” margin, while the opposition said its joint pick Meira Kumar was the best choice in the “clash of ideologies”.

“Kovind ji will win (the election) with a respectable and comfortable margin,” Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu told reporters ahead of the polling.

Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said the fight between Kovind and Kumar was “one of ideologies” and rated the latter as the best choice for the president’s post.

“The president should be a person pursuing an ideology under which everybody should be equal for him. And when there is a clash of ideologies, I think our candidate (Kumar) is the best,” Azad, the Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, said.

PTI

Amarinder Singh, Parkash Singh Badal and Manohar Lal Khattar cast votes

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, his Haryana counterpart Manohar Lal Khattar and senior Akali leader Parkash Singh Badal were among those who cast their votes for the presidential poll on Monday.

The Old Committee Room in the Assembly was the designated polling station in Haryana, while in Punjab, the polling was being held in the Assembly complex. The voting began at 10 am and will conclude at 5 pm.

Former Haryana Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Congress Legislature Party leader Kiran Choudhary excercised their votes in the designated polling station for Haryana.

PTI

Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje votes

Voted in the Presidential elections 2017 at the Vidhan Sabha today. #PresidentialElection pic.twitter.com/FYsSpKEv4y

— Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) July 17, 2017

Leader of Opposition in Rajasthan Assembly Ashok Gehlot casts his vote

Casted my vote for #PresidentialElection at #Gujarat VidhanSabha with hon'ble members of Collegium.#PresidentialPoll2017 #PresidentialPoll pic.twitter.com/xIGf1AwkoA

— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) July 17, 2017

Voting over in Himachal Pradesh Assembly

100 per cent polling recorded in voting for #PresidentialPolls in Himachal with all 67 MLAs casting their vote.

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 17, 2017

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis casts his vote

Mumbai: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis casts his vote in Maharashtra Legislative Assembly for #PresidentialPoll2017 pic.twitter.com/X7JIknOfGG

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

Here’s how Ram Nath Kovind as president will be beneficial to Narendra Modi govt

​

While Kovind’s Dalit background may have been a reason for his elevation, the former Bihar Governor can also help the NDA to get his assent on key bills, especially through the ordinances route.

In the Monsoon Session this year, there are 79 bills which are to be passed in both the Houses of Parliament. With Kovind in the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Modi government may look for the speedy passage of the bills.

Read full article here.

K Chandrasekhar Rao casts his vote in Telangana Assembly

Telangana CM KC Rao casts his vote in Hyderabad for #PresidentialPoll2017 pic.twitter.com/mTQwTqnEeT

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

Vote according to conscience, Arvind Kejriwal tells MLAs  

While Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party has come out in support of Meira Kumar, there is a threat of 10-12 MLAs voting for Ram Nath Kovind. However Kejriwal told the Delhi Assembly,  “We are supporting Meira Kumar (Opposition presidential candidate). All should vote following their conscience.”

PTI

Cracks appear in Tripura chapter of Trinamool Congress?

While the TMC in West Bengal is backing UPA’s Meira Kumar, the Tripura branch of the TMC has come out in the support of NDA’s nominee Ram Nath Kovind. 

By voting for Ram Nath Kovind, we've registered our protest against crimes of CPI(M), Congress & TMC: Ashish Saha, TMC on cross voting pic.twitter.com/hrg5tGGdVm

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

 Watch the video to know how the president is elected

Meira Kumar’s pitch for a conscience vote may backfire on Opposition nominee

Sonia Gandhi and Meira Kumar’s appeal to MPs and MLAs to vote as per their conscience — and not vote as per their party’s official line — may eventually boomerang on them. Kumar has again and again urged legislators to caste their vote according to their conscience in a battle of ideologies. However, in this election, political parties can’t issue whip and the voting is secretive. Mark Tejashwi Yadav’s words as he expressed his anguish over cross-voting. Although he linked this with ruling NDA’s insecurity in the polls but it was not difficult to make an easy reading of voting pattern.

Ram Nath Kovind’s win will be BJP’s counter to claims of Opposition unity

Ram Nath Kovind is sure to win Presidential election but what is of real interest is his victory margin over Opposition candidate Meira Kumar. The ruling NDA was slightly short of 50 percent of value of votes in the electoral college but now, with the support of several non-NDA parties, its candidate appears all set to get around 65 percent votes. BJP leaders believe that it could reach 70 percent mark or even more.

The BJP under Narendra Modi-Amit Shah dispensation has acquired a tendency to punch above its weight. In last year’s Rajya Sabha elections, the BJP fetched some extra seats than its strength in state Assemblies because it managed to get additional votes from other parties and Independents. After recent round of assembly elections even as the BJP did not have required numbers to form its government in Goa and Manipur, it outmanoeuvred  Congress and formed government in these two states.

Though the outcome of Presidential poll is forgone conclusion but BJP leadership is not taking it easy. It is keen to send out a message that Opposition is disunited and PM Modi’s candidate has support from across the party lines.

Polling to end at 5 pm but what’s next?

Voting for presidential elections will end at 5pm today. After the polling ends, the ballot boxes from the states would be flown to Delhi and stored in Parliament. The votes would be counted and results would be announced on 20 July, and the new President will assume office on 25 July.

Captain Amarinder Singh casts vote

Casting my vote to elect the 14th President of India. Feel a great sense of responsibility at being part of an important democratic process. pic.twitter.com/K1sc90SaIW

— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) July 17, 2017

Punjab, Haryana cast ballot for presidential elections 2017 

Voting began in the Punjab and Haryana assemblies here on Monday morning to elect the country’s 14th President.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had called all Congress legislators in the state for breakfast before the voting.

The Congress legislators later gathered at the Punjab Bhawan here for a meeting on the issue.

Punjab has a Congress government since March. The party has 77 legislators in the 117-member assembly.

In the Haryana Assembly, ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators Kamal Gupta and Latika Sharma were among the first voters.

The BJP has 47 legislators in the 90-member assembly.

IANS

Predicting Kovind’s win needs no rocket science: NCP leader Praful Patel

There is no rocket science involved in predicting that the ruling NDA’s nominee Ram Nath Kovind would win the presidential poll, senior NCP leader Praful said on Monday.

“Because all MPs don’t necessarily vote only according to conscience, they also vote according to party lines and party lines are divided somewhat on ideology, principles and political positioning. So, I don’t read too much into any other statement, except the fact that this is a clear case of the NDA scoring big in terms of the numbers,” he added.

Chhattisgarh legislators cast vote for presidential elections

Voting for the presidential election began at the Chhattisgarh Assembly complex in Raipur on Monday morning. 

In the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly, BJP has 49 MLAs whereas the Congress has 39. One MLA is from the BSP while another is independent legislator.

Marwahi MLA Amit Jogi, expelled from the Congress, had said he would support Meira Kumar. The Congress has also suspended Gunderdehi MLA Rajendra Kumar Rai. 

In the Lok Sabha, the BJP has 10 MPs from Chhattisgarh while the Congress has one.

Watch Opposition Presidential nominee Meira Kumar’s pitch on the day of polls

Today is very important day; today the collegium will take a decision. Have become a candidate to fight the battle of ideology: Meira Kumar pic.twitter.com/P8piuskaB8

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 17, 2017

Poll debate a sad reflection of the immaturity of Indian democracy 
 
It says little about the maturity of our democracy when the ongoing debate around presidential polls is around the caste identity of the contesting candidates, not their achievements. Ramnath Kovind distinguished himself as a lawyer and has a long career as an administrator and a Parliamentarian. Ex-speaker of Lok Sabha Meira Kumar, daughter of Babu Jagjivan Ram, has a similar stellar career to boast of. But all the commentaries and debates so far have focused on which candidate is more “Dalit” than the other.
 
The prime minister, yesterday and today, struck a note of harmony and conciliation but he would know that Kovind’s selection had as much to do with BJP’s need to woo Dalit community. Congress looked outmanouvred in choosing another Dalit candidate to forge opposition unity and then later tried to spin it as a battle of principles. The sad truth is, politics of identity trumps every other parameters during polls in India. Presidential polls are no exception.

Presidential poll begins in Mumbai, Fadnavis casts vote

The voting for the presidential election started at the Vidhan Bhawan in south Mumbai on Mondya morning with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is an MLA from Nagpur, among the early voters. 

Jailed NCP MLAs Chhagan Bhujbal and Ramesh Kadam are also expected to cast their votes in the presidential election, a Vidhan Bhawan official said. 

There are 288 MLAs in Maharashtra who are eligible to vote in the election. Besides, there are 48 Lok Sabha MPs and 19 Rajya Sabha members from Maharashtra.

Modi hopes GST spirit prevails in Monsoon session

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoped the “growing stronger together” spirit of the GST will bring enthusiasm to Parliament proceedings and that political parties will engage in high standard of debate and provide value addition during the Monsoon session. 

“It is my firm belief that the Monsoon session will provide an opportunity to all political parties and MPs to enter into high standard of debate and to provide value addition for taking major decisions in larger national interest,” he said.

Sonia, Rahul vote in Presidential election

Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Vice-President Rahul Gandhi cast their votes for the Presidential election on Monday.

Sonia, on Sunday, called for a “conscience vote” while attacking the Narendra Modi government for trying to impose “narrow-minded, divisive and communal vision” on the country.

​Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik casts vote in presidential elections

Bhubaneswar: Odisha CM Naveen Biju Patnaik casts his vote for #PresidentialElection at Odisha Assembly pic.twitter.com/khFngu3W1v

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

West Bengal votes for Meira Kumar

Opposition presidential nominee Meira Kumar will recieve overwhelming support from West Bengal where 288 MLAs of the 299 are supporting Kumar. All legislators, barring three from the BJP and three from Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, an NDA ally, will vote for Kumar.

Kovind is our neighbour hailing from Kanpur; Akhilesh didn’t consult us over prez poll: Shivpal Yadav

The rift in Samajwadi Party was out in the open once again as Mulayam camp declared allegiance to Ram Nath Kovind. Shivpal Yadav, speaking to CNN-News18, said that Kovind hails from Uttar Pradesh and is a secular figure. He also said that the presidential polls should ideally be conducted wih unanimity. 

He also said that the party led by Akhilesh Yadav did not consult him or Mulayam over presidential elections.

Mulayam, Shivpal to break ranks with Akhilesh, decide to throw weight behind Kovind

​

Amid talks of cross-voting from the Opposition camps, the rift in Samajwadi Party is not helping Meira Kumar’s cause. SP patrons Mulayam Singh Yadav and Shivpal Yadav have declared that they will support Kovind, while Akhilesh Yadav is with Congress’ Meira Kumar. 

Senior leaders and Mulayam loyalists are expected to follow suit. Although the small dissidence will have no effect on the overall result of the presidential polls, but it is interesting to note here that Uttar Pradesh MLAs enjoy the maximum weightage in electoral collage. The value of vote of an MP is 708 while that of an MLA varies from state to state depending on the size of its population.

Madhya Pradesh, Andhra CMs cast vote in presidential election 

Andhra Pradesh CM N.Chandrababu Naidu cast his vote for #PresidentialPoll2017 in Amaravati. pic.twitter.com/8ANHkR0CsT

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan arrives at MP Assembly to cast his vote for #PresidentialPoll2017 pic.twitter.com/JAcN6CmsXd

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

Rajya Sabha adjourned till tomorrow

Rajya Sabha adjourned till tomorrow after giving obituary to former members and victims of #AmarnathTerrorAttack pic.twitter.com/qeiqIbYrCY

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

How the presidential elections take place

A total of 4,896 voters — 4,120 MLAs and 776 elected MPs — are eligible to cast their ballot. MLCs of states with legislative council are not part of the Electoral College.

While the Lok Sabha Speaker, an elected member, can vote, the two nominated members in the Lower House from the Anglo-Indian community cannot. Twelve nominated members in Rajya Sabha are also ineligible. The total value of votes of the electoral college is 10,98,903. The value of vote of an MP is 708 while that of an MLA varies from state to state depending on the size of its population.

Officials said that polling in Parliament House will take place in Room Number 62 and MPs will vote according to tables allocated to states they represent.

Lok Sabha adjourned for the day

Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the day after members paid tribute to former MPs and victims of Amarnath Yatra terror attacks

Lok Sabha adjourned till tomorrow after giving obituary to former members and victims of #AmarnathTerrorAttack pic.twitter.com/nEICnYQB40

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

Kerala an exception in BJP’s scheme of things

Even as the BJP managed to gain support of as many as 40 parties, including several who arenot NDA allies, for Ram Nath Kovind, Kerala will remain a glaring exception.  Kovind is likely to get only one vote — that of BJP MLA O Rajagopal, the lone elected BJP MLA in the state. Both the LDF and UDF are supporting Meira Kumar.

Monsoon Session kick starts as polling for presidential elections underway

#Monsoonsession of the Parliament starts today pic.twitter.com/apgmBAFwtG

— DD News (@DDNewslive) July 17, 2017

In Parliament, newly elected MPs take oath

Farooq Abdullah takes oath as Member of Parliament pic.twitter.com/fyPlsumPg8

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 17, 2017

PM Modi hopeful of a fruitful Monsoon Session as Oppn gears ammo amid ‘battle of ideologies’

While a stormy Monsoon Session is expected as the Opposition is prepared to target Centre over key issues like farmer suicides and cow vigilantism, Narendra Modi expressed hope of a fruitful Parliament session. 

The prime minister hoped that the successful “rains” of GST will fill the Monsoon session with pleasant smell like that emanating from dry soil after showers.

“I hope all political parties, MPs will work for national interest and will engage in high standard of debate and provide value addition,” Modi said.

DMK working president MK Stalin casts vote in presidential polls

DMK working president MK Stalin casts his vote at Tamil Nadu Assembly for #PresidentialPoll2017 pic.twitter.com/bVqKnVUkYN

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

Assam chief minister Sarabnanda Sonowal casts vote 

Guwahati: Voting for #PresidentialPoll2017 underway at Assam Legislative Assembly; CM Sarbananda Sonowal also cast his vote. pic.twitter.com/33x7Xn5KGS

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s virtue signaling sounds hollow 

Sonia Gandhi’s contention that the presidential poll is a “clash of ideas” and a “conflict of values” rings hollow. It is quite clear that Congress is trying to make a virtue out of political helplessness, short as they are of crucial numbers in the polling game.

The post of the president is ostensibly apolitical but every party treats it as a ploy to send signals to its political base and BJP, Congress have stayed true to the script. It is amusing that the Congress president is seeking to take the moral high ground and talking of “conscience vote” because it is her party that sent someone like Pratibha Patil to Raisina Hills.

The only time a truly apolitical figure gets elected is when a party chooses under coalition compulsions, for instance NDA’s move to elect the hugely respected Abdul Kalam.

Meanwhile, Opposition leaders meet in Parliament ahead of Monsoon Session

Delhi: Leaders from opposition parties met in the Parliament, ahead of the Monsoon Session. pic.twitter.com/1MVBptQNO4

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

List of parties supporting Ram Nath Kovind apart from NDA allies 

Ram Nath Kovind, who belongs to the BJP, has the backing of all the party’s allies besides several regional parties. Here is a list of non-NDA parties supporting the BJP’ presidential nominee. 

• AIADMK – All factions of the beleagured AIADMK have pledged support to Kovind while they remain at loggerheads in state politics. 
• Biju Janata Dal (BJD) –  Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has pledged support to Kovind
• Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) – Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) has supported Kovind, despite being in alliance with Congress.
• Telangana Rashtra Samithi(TRF) – Telangana CM K Chandrashekhar Rao has also said his party will support Kovind’s candidature.

In Pictures: Legislators line up to cast their vote for presidential elections

Presidential Election 2017: MLAs queue up at Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly to cast their votes #PresidentialPoll2017 pic.twitter.com/vUVBAEthNA

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

Delhi: Members of Parliament line up to cast their votes for #PresidentialPoll2017 pic.twitter.com/leXCBWvfpH

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

Amit Shah casts his vote at Parliament House

No matter who wins, happy that President of India will be from Dalit community

No matter who wins, President will be from Scheduled Caste. Huge victory for our movement & party: BSP Pres Mayawati #PresidentialPoll2017 pic.twitter.com/BpqzNy6Daq

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

Yogi Adityanath arrives at UP Assembly

 Yogi Adityanath has reached the state Assembly to cast his vote for presidential elections 2017. The Uttar Pradesh chief minister is one of few MPs to cast vote from state Assembly. In all, 55 MPs will vote from state Assemblies. 

Five MLAs will cast their ballot in Parliament House and four other legislators will vote in state assemblies which they have not been elected to. Usually, MPs vote in Parliament House and MLAs in their respective state assemblies.

Lucknow: UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath arrives at UP Assembly #PresidentialPoll2017 pic.twitter.com/HJ0aJug3LC

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) July 17, 2017

Special pens being used for presidential elections 2017

The Election Commission has barred legislators from carrying their own pens and a special serial numbered pen with violet ink will be used for voting. Following the ink controversy in the Rajya Sabha polls in Haryana in 2016, the poll panel has decided to use special pens for the electors to mark their votes in the presidential and vice-presidential polls.

Polling kick starts, Narendra Modi, Amit Shah cast their vote at Parliament House

Delhi: PM Narendra Modi & BJP President Amit Shah cast their votes at the Parliament for #PresidentialPoll2017 pic.twitter.com/UXk1Xz7Wou

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

Amit Shah reaches Parliament

Delhi: BJP President Amit Shah arrives at the Parliament #PresidentialPoll2017 pic.twitter.com/mhm8OkfCLq

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

Preparations for presidential elections underway in state Assemblies

Bengaluru: Preparations underway at Karnataka Legislative Assembly ahead of the #PresidentialElection pic.twitter.com/HsMv3y3qTN

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

Modi reaches Parliament, says Monsoon Session crucial on many counts

Narendra Modi, speaking to the press outside Parliament, said that he hoped that the Monsoon Session will be filled with new vigour and a spirit to promote national interest. He said that the Monsoon Session is important on many counts as not only will the nation choose it’s 14th president, but the 75th anniversary of August Kranti.

Ram Nath Kovind will win with a comfortable margin: Venkaiah Naidu

Ram Nath Kovind ji will win with a comfortable & respectable margin: Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu on #PresidentialPoll2017 pic.twitter.com/0dmfLVw9fy

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

Cross-voting anticipated in presidential election 2017

Cross-voting can’t be ruled out even as parties claim to have taken up a battle of ‘ideologies’. The presidential elections have split open rifts in political parties, with parties fearing that dissidents may indulge in cross-voting. For instance, the Samajwadi Party appears divided with camps led by Mulayam Singh Yadav and party chief Akhilesh Yadav all set to vote for rival candidates, triggering possibility of cross-voting. Mulayam has expressed his support for Kovind while the Akhilesh camp is backing Meira Kumar. 

Since the election is through a secret ballot, the parties cannot round up their members and make sure they vote for a particular candidate.

Narendra Modi, Amit Shah to cast vote at 10 am

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah to cast their votes at 10 am in the Parliament #PresidentialPoll2017

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

Meanwhile… Chhagan Bhujbal allowed to cast vote in presidential polls 2017

A special court in Mumbai has allowed senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal’s application seeking permission to vote in the 17 July presidential election. Bhujbal has been in judicial custody since his arrest under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) last year.

In a rare case, EC disqualifies a BJP minister from voting in presidential polls

The Election Commission of India has barred Madhya Pradesh minister Narottam Mishra from casting his vote in the presidential elections since the poll panel had disqualified him for three years over paid news charges.

Mishra had allegedly filed wrong accounts of election expenditure relating to articles and advertorials in the media in the 2008-2013 Assembly elections.

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.

Polling to begin at 10 am

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.

Stage all set for presidential election 2017

#Visuals: Rehearsal for the swearing-in ceremony of the new President at Delhi's Vijay Chowk pic.twitter.com/Ypf2nGPQua

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

Meanwhile… BJP’s parliamentary board meeting today on VP candidate

The BJP parliamentary board would meet today to pick the ruling NDA’s vice presidential candiadate as 18 July is the last date for filing of nominations. 

The electoral college for the election consists of 790 MPs of the two chambers of Parliament. 

The ruling bloc enjoys an overwhelming majority in the electoral college and BJP has expressed confidence about garnering anywhere between 500 and 550 votes. 

BJP parliamentary board meeting on Vice Presidential candidate scheduled to take place at BJP headquarters later today. pic.twitter.com/AJADWFNDxg

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2017

Second time since independence, when India will elect a Dalit president

This will be the second time India will elect a Dalit President since 1997. KR Narayan was the first, and so far the only person from the Dalit community to hold India’s highest constitutional post.

55 MPs to vote in their state assemblies for prez poll: EC

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his Goa counterpart Manohar Parrikar are among 55 MPs who will vote in their state assemblies instead of Parliament House for the presidential election. 

Five MLAs will cast their ballot in Parliament House and four other legislators will vote in state assemblies which they have not been elected to. Usually, MPs vote in Parliament House and MLAs in their respective state assemblies.

Presidential elections 2017 today, 4,896 legislators to caste ballot

Election for the next President of India will be held today where 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 electoral college which elects the President through the system of proportional representation, comprises MPs and members of state legislative assemblies.

A total of 4896 voters — 4120 MLAs and 776 elected MPs — are eligible to cast their ballot.