President-elect Ram Nath Kovind thanked all those who supported him and said he would “represent all those struggling to make a living,” after he won an overwhelming majority of votes from the country’s lawmakers.
“I feel very emotional today. I never aspired to be the president; my win is a message to those discharging their duties with integrity,” Mr. Kovind said.
“My election as the President is evidence of the greatness of Indian democracy” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Mr. Kovind on his win and said he was gladdened by the extensive support he got. He also congratulated Opposition nominee Meira Kumar for her campaign, saying it was in spirit of democratic ethos and values which “we all are proud of.”
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah hailed the victory as “historic” and said it is a “victory for the poor, downtrodden, marginalised and their aspirations.”
In a series of tweets after Mr. Kovind was declared victorious in the presidential poll, Mr. Shah expressed confidence that he would distinguish himself as an exceptional President of the country.
The BJP chief also thanked the BJP members, allies and other members of the electoral college who supported Kovind.
Ms. Kumar said it is upon Mr. Kovind “to uphold the Constitution in letter and spirit in these challenging times.”
She thanked the Opposition leaders including Congress president Sonia Gandhi and said “her fight for secularism will continue.”
Leaders of the two factions in the ruling AIADMK, Chief Minister K Palaniswami and his predecessor O Panneerselvam congratulated Mr. Kovind for his “resounding victory.”
“I wish to convey to you my own felicitations and also those of the people of Tamil Nadu for a historic tenure in Rashtrapati Bhavan,” he said in a letter to the NDA candidate.
Mr. Panneerselvam expressed “great joy” on Kovind winning the presidential polls.
“Having been elected as the first citizen of India, we wish Mr. Kovind name and fame due to his skill and service,” Mr. Panneerselvam said in a statement.
