‘Emotional Moment, Responsibility to Serve the Common Man’, Says President-Elect Ram Nath Kovind

"This is a very emotional moment for me. An ordinary person like me, being elected to this post, proves the greatness of Indian democracy," Ram Nath Kovind said.

Updated: July 20, 2017 6:16 PM IST

By Mohammed Uzair Shaikh

'Emotional Moment, Responsibility to Serve the Common Man', Says President-Elect Ram Nath Kovind
प्रधानमंत्री का कर्तव्य होगा कि संघ के प्रशासन संबंधी मंत्रिपरिषद के निर्णयों से राष्ट्रपति को सूचित करेगा. फाइल फोटो:PTI

New Delhi, July 20: Addressing the press after his election to the top constitutional post, NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind said he would continue to strive for the underprivileged, marginalised and oppressed section of the society. The President-elect, describing the moment as ’emotional’, said he would discharge his duty to the best of his capacity, keeping the interests of the ordinary person in mind.

“This is a very emotional moment for me. An ordinary person like me, being elected to this post, proves the greatness of Indian democracy,” said Kovind, who served as the Bihar Governor, before filing his nomination in the Presidential election.

“The mandate I have received gives me the responsibility to serve every ordinary man of this nation who works hard to win his daily bread. I must discharge my duty in the most honest manner to meet his concerns,” the President-elect added. ALSO READ: Ram Nath Kovind Elected as 14th President of India, An Arduous Journey From Paraunkh to Raisina Hills

Kovind also congratulated his rival, the Opposition’s candidate Meira Kumar, for the dignified campaign led by her. “I would like to thank and congratulate Meira Kumar ji, along with all my supporters,” he remarked.

Kovind, supported by over 40 political parties, won with a decisive mandate of 65.65 percent of the votes. In terms of electoral points, Kovind secured 7,02,644 votes against Meira Kumar, who secured 3,67,314.

Following her defeat, Meira Kumar congratulated Kovind, wishing him a successful tenure as the 14th President of the nation. “I congratulate Ram Nath Kovind ji for the victory. My best wishes with Kovind ji as it has fallen upon him to uphold Constitution in letter and spirit in these challenging times” she said.

However, the former Lok Sabha Speaker said she would not end her ideological battle. “July 20, 2017 would not be the end of my ideological battle. My fight for secularism, the oppressed and the marginalised would continue,” she added. Meira Kumar was supported by a total of 17 political parties from the Opposition ranks.

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