New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi accompanied National Democratic Alliance (NDA) presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind to the Parliament House on Friday to file his nomination to be the 15th President of India. Union Minister Rajnath Singh and BJP national president Amit Shah were also present.
Addressing media after filing his nomination papers for the July 17 elections, Kovind said, “Ever since I took over as Governor, I have no political affiliation. President of India is above politics,” Kovind said.
The ruling NDA government has nominated Bihar Governor Kovind for the position for the post of Indian President.
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Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Parkash Singh Badal, Union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu was present. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj were also present.
The Shiv Sena, Janata Dal (United), All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) including O. Panneerselvam have also backed Kovind for the post of President.
Meanwhile, the opposition on Thursday nominated former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar for the highest post India.
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All 17 political parties unanimously proposed name of Meira for forthcoming Presidential elections.
The decision was taken after the Opposition – Congress and the Communist Party of India (CPI), and other parties – met to discuss the NDA decision on Presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind.
The Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have backed Kumar.
Though earlier, the Mayawati-led BSP extended their support to Kovind, but after the nomination of Kumar, they recalled their support.
The election for the next President of India is to be held on July 17 as President Pranab Mukherjee will demit the office on July 24.
The counting of the votes will be done on July 20.