Well-known Dalit figure and Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind is all set to take over as the 14th President after the incumbent Pranab Mukherjee's term ends on July 24. The 71 year old former chief of BJP's Dalit Morcha, is considered to be the perfect candidate for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Dalit outreach initiative. The NDA believes that his ascension will significantly improve its standing among Scheduled Castes.
A non-controversial character with a distinct respect for protocol, Kovind is expected to abide by the ruling government and give a much-needed boost to the minority community. Praising the candidate, Modi said, “I am sure Ram Nath Kovind will make an exceptional President and continue to be a strong voice for the poor, downtrodden and marginalised. With his illustrious background in the legal arena, Kovind's knowledge and understanding of the Constitution will benefit the nation. Kovind, a farmer's son, comes from a humble background. He devoted his life to public service and worked for the poor and marginalised.”
BJP President Amit Shah too commended the Dalit leader saying he had always espoused the cause of underprivileged sections of society, and had a long career working for Dalits and oppressed groups. Countering the opposition's claims that the choice was made unilaterally by the BJP, Shah said, “The Prime Minister himself has spoken to Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh. Everyone has been informed of this decision.”
Meanwhile, the Congress, Left, Trinamool, and others have refused to endorse Kovind and plan to give BJP a walkover. While BJP and its NDA partners is a fraction short of the majority mark in the electoral college comprising elected members of the two Houses of Parliament and state assemblies, the support of regional parties like TRS, YSR Congress, Biju Janata Dal and AIADMK provides it with a guaranteed win.
Kovind was born on October 1, 1945, at Kanpur Dehat in Uttar Pradesh. He is a BCom and LLB graduate from Kanpur University. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh in 1994-2000 and 2000-2006. He is an advocate by profession and practices in Delhi.
