Kovind Files Nomination, Says President’s Post is “Above Politics”
It’s Ram Nath Kovind vs Meira Kumar for the Presidential elections.
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- NDA’s presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind has filed his nomination
- If elected, Ram Nath Kovind will be the country’s second Dalit president, after KR Narayanan (1997-2002)
- Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar is the candidate of major opposition parties, led by the Congress
- All eyes are, however, on Nitish Kumar as his decision to support Ram Nath Kovind could set off a political realignment in Bihar
- Lalu Prasad will meet Nitish Kumar later today to try and convince him to vote for Meira Kumar instead
- The Bihar CM’s decision to go against his electoral partner, RJD, is being seen as a move to distance himself from the corruption allegations against Lalu Prasad and his family
Meira Kumar Gets Z+ Security
The security cover of the opposition's presidential nominee Meira Kumar has been upgraded to the top most 'Z+' category, under which she will have round-the-clock protection of armed security personnel.
Kumar was earlier provided with ‘X’ category security.
The enhanced security cover entails about 36 security personnel, including commandos, protecting an individual whose threat perception is assessed to be very high by central intelligence agencies.
The protectee also gets pilot and escort vehicles, with armed security personnel.
CPI Urges JD(U), BJD to Back Meira Kumar for President
The CPI urged BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar to reconsider their decision and support opposition candidate Meira Kumar in the presidential election.
Reddy, accompanied by CPI national secretary K Narayanana, said they hope both Patnaik and Kumar will rethink before casting their vote in favour of Ram Nath Kovind, whom they described as a "Sangha Parivar member".
"Congress Fielded Meira Kumar to Divide Dalits" : Yogi Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the opposition parties fielded Meira Kumar as their presidential candidate to divide Dalits to "save their skin".
Only after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah picked Ram Nath Kovind, a Dalit, as the NDA's presidential candidate, the Congress decided to field Kumar, Adityanath told reporters after Kovind filed his nomination papers.
The opposition parties have fielded her only to divide Dalits in the country, he added.
"Kovind Meets the Expectations of the Opposition": Venkaiah Naidu
Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu lauded JD(U)‘s support for Kovind’s candidature, saying that the nominee meets the expectations of the opposition. Speaking to ANI, he said,
Ram Nath Kovind to Go on Nation-Wide Tour to Consolidate Support
NDA presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind will start a nation-wide tour on 25 June, stopping first in Uttar Pradesh, where he will talk to members of the electoral college that votes for the new president.
BJP sources said Kovind, 71, would travel to the bigger states and at some places interact with electoral college members from more than one state.
He would discuss the issue with MPs and MLAs of the parties which have announced their support to him.
AAP Extends Support to Meira Kumar
Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Admi Party will support Meira Kumar’s candidature in the upcoming Presidential elections, reported NDTV.
Sources told NDTV that Sitaram Yechury has been coordinating with the AAP.
'Kovind Deserved to be Next President', Says Naidu
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu who was present during the filing of NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind’s nomination said that Kovind deserved to be the next President of India.
Speaking to ANI, senior Congress leader Gulam Nabi Azad said that the fight for Presidency is the fight of ideologies, and that people with secular ideology should stand with Meira Kumar.
'Don't Belong to Any Party': Kovind
After filing of his nomination for the Presidential elections, NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind said that he was thankful to all those who have supported him. He added that he will strive to keep President should be above party politics, and was not a part of any political party.
'Happy That I Was Unanimously Selected' : Meira Kumar
The Congress-led candidate of Opposition for the Presidential elections Meira Kumar on Friday expressed her happiness over unanimously being selected as the Opposition’s nominee.
NDA Candidate Kovind Files Nomination
NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind files nomination in the presence of PM Narendra Modi, LK Advani and other top leaders from BJP.
Kovind to File Nomination Shortly
NDA's presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind will file his nomination papers in presence of PM Modi shortly.
PM Modi, Kovind Reach Parliament to File Nomination
PM Modi and NDA Candidate Ram Nath Kovind have arrived at the Parliament to file nomination for upcoming Presidential election.
He has been accompanied by BJP president Amit Shah.
According to reports, LK Advani has also arrived to show support to the candidate.
Lalu To Ask Nitish To Reconsider His Support
Speaking to the media on Friday, RJD chief Lalu Yadav said that he did not understand why Bihar CM Nitish Kumar chose to support NDA nominee Ram Nath Kovind.
Yadav added that he will appeal that Kumar reconsiders his decision when he meets with him later on Friday.
Kovind Leaves North Avenue To File Nomination
NDA's presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind has left from North Avenue, to file his nomination papers in the presence of PM Narendra Modi.
He was escorted by Amit Shah and some other senior leaders from his temporary residence.
Z+, NSG security cover for Prez Nominee Kovind
NDA's presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind has been given 'Z+' and NSG security cover by the central government.
The commandos of the National Security Guard (NSG) and security agencies have also done security audit of Kovind's temporary residence - 10, Akbar Road, which is allocated to Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma.
'Will Accompany Kovind', Tweets PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that he will accompany NDA Presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind who is filing his nomination for the upcoming elections.
Kovind To File Nomination Today
NDA's presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind will file his nomination papers today in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and most BJP-led NDA chief ministers, besides the heads of some other parties supporting his candidature.
BJP President Amit Shah will also be present when Kovind files his papers, as will the Telangana and Tamil Nadu chief ministers, two leaders from non-NDA parties supporting Kovind, sources in the southern parties said.
On 22 June, the Congress-led Opposition parties chose former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar as their nominee ahead of the presidential elections on 17 July.
Selection of Meira Kumar in Line With DMK's Aspirations: Stalin
UPA constituent DMK said the Opposition's choice of presidential candidate Meira Kumar was in line with the party's "aspirations."
DMK Working President M K Stalin also charged the ruling BJP with "enacting a drama" on selecting a candidate, based on discussions with the Opposition.
Speaking to reporters, Stalin said his sister and Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi was present in the Opposition meeting held in Delhi today to select its candidate to take on NDA's Ram Nath Kovind.
"The (Opposition) candidate has been announced in line with DMK's aspirations.. I wish her all the best and to win (the Presidential race)," he said.
When pointed out BJP has also fielded a Dalit on behalf of NDA, Stalin recalled that the ruling party at the Centre had earlier said it will arrive at a decision on selecting the nominee after consulting opposition parties.
Meira Kumar Made Scapegoat by Congress: BJP
The Congress has made Meira Kumar a "scapegoat" by fielding her as the opposition's presidential candidate, the BJP said and questioned why the party did not nominate her when it was in a position to get her elected to the highest office.
"When the Congress had the opportunity to elect a Dalit president when they were in power they did not find Meira Kumar suitable. But when the defeat of the opposition candidate is certain they have fielded her as a scapegoat.
"This clearly shows that it has no commitment to elect leaders from marginalised sections to high offices and had decided to field her purely done as a token exercise," BJP spokesperson GVL Narsimha Rao said.
"Delighted by Opposition's Unity": Meira Kumar
After being selected as the Opposition's presidential nominee, Meira Kumar addressed the media and expressed gratitude to the parties.
"The (Opposition) unity represents coming together of forces which have strong ideological base. I am going to contest election as their representative," she said.
BSP Extends Support to Meira Kumar
Bahujan Samajwadi Party chief Mayawati has backed Meira Kumar’s nomination, party leader Satish Mishra said.
Won't Break Alliance But Want Nitish to Rethink: Lalu Prasad Yadav
After the announcement of Opposition’s presidential nominee, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav addressed the media and said, “Nitishji called me and said that it is his personal decision. I would appeal to him to rethink but will not break alliance.”
Prasad said that he will meet Nitish Kumar on 23 June and ask him to rethink. He said that Kumar should not commit a “historical mistake”.
All Parties Unanimously Proposed Meira Kumar's Name: GN Azad
Congress president Sonia Gandhi announced former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar's name for the president’s post.
Congress leader GN Azad said: "All 17 political parties have unanimously proposed name of Meira Kumar ji for forthcoming Presidential Election”.
Opposition Picks Meira Kumar as Presidential Candidate
Congress leader and Former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar will be Congress-led Opposition's Presidential candidate.
Opposition Parties' Meet Begins
Opposition parties’ meet begins in Delhi to choose a candidate for the President’s post.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh and senior party leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge and Ahmed Patel, besides NCP's Sharad Pawar and RJD's Lalu Prasad were among the attendees at the meeting in the Parliament House Library. Left leaders Sitaram Yechury and D Raja, DMK's Kanimozhi and National Conference's Omar Abdullah also attended the meeting.
Trinamool Congress' Mamata Banerjee, BSP's Mayawati and SP's Akhilesh Yadav, who were present at the last opposition meeting held on 26 May, skipped the Parliament Library meet, and sent their representatives instead. Derek O' Brien represented the Trinamool, the SP sent Ramgopal Yadav and the BSP sent Satish Mishra.
Other parties represented at the meeting included JD-S, RSP, JMM, Kerala Congress, IUML and the AIUDF of Assam.
RJD to Question JD(U) Over Extending Support to Centre
Questioning Nitish Kumar's extension of support to Centre's nominee for President, its ally Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Thursday said that it was a very good opportunity for the secular front to counter the saffron party but the Bihar Chief Minister's change of side has put the united opposition's future in jeopardy.
"It was an opportunity for the secular parties to stand united in at the time of Presidential elections. We will be questioning JD(U) for the stand Nitish ji has taken. We would like to ask JD(U) what is their take on the secular party group which was formed to counter the BJP," Lalu Prasad told ANI.
Leaders Hold Hectic Talks Before Crucial Opposition Meet
Hectic parleys between leaders of non-NDA parties began this morning, hours ahead of a crucial opposition meeting where they were expected to zero in on a joint candidate for the presidential election.
After the JD-U's decision to support NDA presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind, the Congress stepped up efforts to keep the opposition united as its top brass held discussions with the leaders of a host of other parties.
Cracks appeared in the opposition camp after the JD-U's surprise decision on 21 June, as its chief Nitish Kumar was the one who had initiated the process for a joint opposition strategy on the issue.
"CPI(M)'s First Choice Will be Gopal Krishna Gandhi": Yechury
Ahead of the Opposition meeting over presidential candidate nominee, CPM leader Sitaram Yechury on Thursday said that their first choice will be Gopal Krishna Gandhi. “Our first choice for Presidential candidate is Gopal Krishna Gandhi otherwise Prakash Ambedkar. We’ll discuss in opposition party meeting,” Yechury said.
Senior Congress Leaders Meet Sonia Before Meeting
Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad and Congress leader from Gujarat Ahmed Patel meet Sonia Gandhi at 10 Janpath before heading off to opposition meeting.
Kovind Meets Vajpayee
NDA presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind and his wife visited former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his family at his residence.
Panneerselvam Supports Kovind, Sasikaya yet to Decide
Pannerselvam-led AIADKMK faction extends support to NDA's presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind.
AIADMK deputy general secretary TTV Dhinakaran will be taking a decision on whom to support only after meeting VK Sasikala at the Parappana Agrahara prison in Bengaluru.
Congress May Pitch Meira Kumar Who is Also a Dalit Candidate
Unfazed by JD(U)'s decision to back NDA's Presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind, major Opposition parties will meet on Thursday amid indications that former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar could be their nominee for the presidential election.
Meira Kumar met Congress President Sonia Gandhi at her residence on Wednesday. Though there was no official word about the meeting, it is widely believed that Meira Kumar could be the Opposition's choice against Kovind.
Like Kovind, Meira Kumar belongs to the Dalit community. She was the first woman speaker of Lok Sabha and also has been a Union Minister.
Ahead of meeting of Opposition parties, Communist Party of India leader D Raja said that JD(U) was one of the Opposition parties which had come together to field a common candidate in the presidential polls and its parting ways will not have any bearing on the stance of other parties.
Gandhi had taken the initiative to talk to Opposition parties to evolve a consensus candidate in the presidential election. Nitish Kumar was among the leaders who met her and JD(U) leaders took part in all meetings of the grouping.
The Left parties are keen to put up a candidate against Kovind in what they call an "ideological battle".
Cracks in Opposition Over NDA Nominee Kovind
The Congress, which is coordinating the opposition meet, expressed the hope that leaders of all parties which attended the 26 May luncheon hosted by Gandhi would be present today.
Sources from the Left parties said former ambassador and governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi was still among the probables.
They admitted that Kovind's nomination had dented opposition unity with the JD(U) declaring its support to the NDA nominee.
"But how far that nomination has affected our unity will be known only tomorrow and will be based on the number of leaders who will be there," the sources said.
JD(U)'s spokesperson KC Tyagi said the JD(U) would not attend the Opposition meeting, saying that it was now "irrelevant" for his party after it had supported Kovind, a low profile dalit leader whose nomination by the BJP has drawn support from several non-NDA parties.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who is the JD(U) president, praised Kovind's tenure as the governor of Bihar on Monday soon after BJP chief Amit Shah named him as the ruling group's presidential pick.
Left to Propose Prakash Ambedkar's Name: Reports
The Left parties will propose Prakash Ambedkar as its presidential candidate some reports said.
But Prakash Karat told reporters that their first option was Gopalkrishna Gandhi.
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Published: 22 Jun 2017,07:56 AM IST