Kovind files nomination for Presidential election

23 June, New Delhi

NDA Presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind filed his nomination for the July 17 election here on Friday in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah heads of some parties and Chief Ministers of NDA-ruled states.
Kovind submitted the papers at Parliament house accompanied by leaders of political parties who are backing him.

Opposition parties led by the congress yesterday announced the name of former Speaker Meira Kumar, also a Dalit leader, as their joint candidate for the country’s top post. A five-time MP, Ms Kumar is a former IFS Officer and daughter of Congress veteran Babu Jagjivan Ram.

With the announcement of Meira Kumar’s candidature against Ram Nath Kovind has made the election an interesting political battle.

The NDA, including the Shiv Sena and the PDP of Jammu and Kashmir, commands the support of over 48.6 per cent that will elect the next president. Regional parties such as the AIADMK, BJD, TRS and JD(U) have already announced their support to Mr Kovind.

President is elected by an electoral college comprising elected members of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and state legislative assemblies. The election for the President is scheduled for July 17 and the counting of votes will take place on July 20.