'Happy' Nitish conveys response to Lalu, Sonia

Shortly after the announcement of Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind as NDA's Presidential nominee, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar called on him to extend greetings and congratulate him over his candidature.

On his way out of the Raj Bhawan, Kumar interacted with mediapersons and expressed gladness that "our Bihar governor has been nominated for the top post of the country." "Personally, it is a very happy moment for me that Kovind has been nominated as the next President," an elated Kumar said.

"Being the CM of Bihar, it is my duty to call on him to pay my respect and gratitude before he leaves for New Delhi. As the Governor of the state, he has done some very good work," Kumar said.

In a glowing tribute to Kovind, Kumar said, "He has always upheld the dignity of his position and has shared an ideal relationship with the state government. We will always remember this."

Kumar, also the JD (U) national president, refused to divulge whether Kovind had the support of his party. "It will not be right to comment on the issue now. I have already talked to Lalu ji (RJD President and alliance partner) on the matter. Sonia ji (Congress President) had also called. I have told them about my feelings," he said.

Earlier in the day, when the BJP had not announced Kovind's name, Kumar while interacting with mediapersons had said, "The Opposition will not wait for a name for long" and had asked the Centre to take a decision on it at the earliest.

RJD unhappy

Ally RJD, however, is not happy on Kovind's name, and called his nomination a "unilateral decision". "It clearly shows that the BJP is not serious about taking consensus over appointments to important Constitutional posts. A united Opposition will discuss the matter on June 22 and take a decision on it," RJD spokesperson Manoj Jha said.

Jha added, "More than ever, today we need a President who believes in inclusive development and who is able to protect the Constitutional values and traditions."