BJP office deserted, as Kovind's victory forgone conclusion for party

The victory of Ram Nath Kovind did not generate much enthusiasm at the Bharatiya Janata Party headquarters at 11 Ashoka Road, since it was a forgone conclusion for the party.

Instead of the party office, senior party leaders waited to greet the President-elect at his temporary residence 10 Akbar Road, which is also the official residence of Union Culture and Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma. However, everyone present in the party office was glued to television sets following developments of the day. A loud cheer echoed in the office reception when the President nominee Kovind called himself "poor man's representative inside the Rashtrapati Bhawan".

Party leaders who were present in the office told DNA that they were not expecting Kovind to visit the office anytime soon as his position is a Constitutional one. Although earlier in the day, there were speculations that he would reach BJP headquarters to greet party workers, it did not happen and the party office bore a deserted look.

They also added that Kovind had ended his direct association with the party even after taking charge as Bihar Governor. Those who met him before the results were announced also mentioned that he looked positive and mentioned that he would only follow the constitution and not toe any lines including that of the party's.

His not being directly associated with the party and presenting a neutral image is one of the reasons that Nitish Kumar supported his candidature.