NDA presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind said here on Tuesday he was a non-political candidate and would conduct himself in a non-partisan manner as he did as the Governor of Bihar.
“Ever since I became the Governor of Bihar, I conducted myself in a non-partisan manner and did not associate with any political party. I will maintain the same status,” he said addressing the MPs and the MLAs of the TDP and the BJP as part of his election campaign. He said he would rise above party politics and strive to uphold the Constitution and democratic traditions.
Describing the Constitution as the Gita, Koran and the Bible, Mr. Kovind said it was the only guide book by which a President was supposed to work. It is very important to maintain and uphold its supremacy. The President is the Supreme Commander of the armed forces. Security of the country is important. “We have to fulfill the dream of new India which our Prime Minister has been advocating by 2022, when we will celebrate completion of 75 years of Independence,” he said.
Striking a chord with the TDP leaders, Mr. Kovind recalled how he came to know about TDP founder president and former Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao. “When I enquired about him, people told me that he was a Telugu pride. Zakir Hussain and Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy, both sons of the soil of Andhra, adorned the President’s office,” he added.
Union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu took objection to the UPA’s claim that the presidential election was an ideological fight. The only ideology the President should have is the commitment to the Constitution and other ideologies have no place. He has no power to take political decisions but only acts as a constitutional head and the Supreme Commander of the armed forces. The ideologies have already been decided in 2014 when people voted overwhelmingly for Narendra Modi, he said.
Upright, says Naidu
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu described Mr. Kovind as well-educated, upright and intellectual and the best person for the post. It is an inspiring time for India to have an intellectual as presidential candidate and we are fortunate to elect him the President.
In fact there is no need for a contest as he has 70% support. The other parties should have shown some magnanimity and supported him, he felt.
