India
While some called the move a masterstroke, others were flabbergasted by the choice.
Updated : Jun 19, 2017, 07:16 PM IST
A lawyer by profession, a Hindutva ideologue by thinking, a dedicated BJP worker by political affiliation and a Dalit leader by caste - Ramnath Kovind is the NDA's consensus candidate for the post of India’s President.
BJP President Amit Shah announced the name of Bihar Governor Ramnath Kovind as NDA's consensus candidate for the post of Indian President on Monday.
Kovind belongs to the Dalit community Koli and had worked extensively in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and also has the backing of BJP's ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. A lawyer by profession, Kovind had also been BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha chief (1998-2002) and President of the All-India Koli Samaj.
He hails from Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. Kovind is being credited of grooming several leaders for the BJP and the RSS.
He also served as national spokesperson of the party. Bharatiya Janta Party even tired to project him as an alternative to Mayawati in Uttar Pradesh. On 8th of August 2015, the President of India appointed him the Governor of Bihar. He was elected to Rajya Sabha from state of Uttar Pradesh during the two terms of 1994-2000 and 2000-2006.
Kovind served as member of the board of management of BR Ambedkar University, Lucknow. He also served as member of board of governors of Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata.
Bihar Governor Ramnath Kovind is known for his proximity with Home Minister Rajnath Singh, but has also been a hard core supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetization drive that eliminates black money and corruption in the society.
"Demonetisation is a positive effort in the direction to free the society of black money and corruption," the Governor had said at the annual function of Bihar Chamber and Commerce.
A lawyer by profession, Kovind was enrolled as an advocate in 1971 with the Bar Council of Delhi. He became the Advocate-on-Record of the Supreme Court in 1978 and practised in Delhi High Court and Supreme Court for about 16 years till 1993.
Here's how Twitter reacted:
BJP nominating Dalit prez candidate #RamNathKovind a masterstroke. It drowns anti-BJP/Sangh voices on repeated Dalit atrocities across India
— Priyata Brajabasi (@PriyataB) June 19, 2017
The #RamNathKovind name pulled out from under the radar "takes us for granted, ensures that there will be a Contest" say opposition leaders
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) June 19, 2017
Dalit is not #RamnathKovind identity. For God sake rise above this casteist propaganda. Media might not know him but his work will speak.
— Savio Rodrigues (@PrinceArihan) June 19, 2017
For 6 yrs i served alongside Ramnath Kovind ji in the Rajya Sabha, it was his 2nd term & my 1st. He came across as calm, focussed & thorough
— Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) June 19, 2017
Sources have nominated itself for President: Sources
— Gabbbar (@GabbbarSingh) June 19, 2017
Advani ji ko kuch nahi milega? The way Modi has very silently humiliated him since 2014 a masterclass in revenge.
— Rohit Pradhan (@Retributions) June 19, 2017
It's About Sending A Message #RamnathKovind pic.twitter.com/00Gw2iJWF8
— धवल पटेल (@dhaval241086) June 19, 2017
If BJP trying to play Ram card and Dalit card at the same time?
— अंकित जैन (@indiantweeter) June 19, 2017
Ramnath Kovind to become next Indian president. So Ram made Advani's political career, and Ram is now ending it
— The Bad Doctor (@DOCTORATLARGE) June 19, 2017
Ram nath Kovind as president, Advani must be feeling like Hardik Pandya.
— EngiNerd. (@mainbhiengineer) June 19, 2017
The soundtrack playing at Advani's house. Kovinda.....kovinda.....kovinda...kovinda.....kovindaaaaaa
— FoolishOfficer (@IndiaSpeaksPR) June 19, 2017
If you can govern Bihar you can president India.
— Domain Maximus (@sidin) June 19, 2017
How many of you logged onto Wikipedia today ? I did. #RamNathKovind
— Derek O'Brien (@quizderek) June 19, 2017
Under @narendramodi,BJP has moved from being an exclusivist Hindu party to an inclusive Hindu party.2014,17, #RamNathKovind are all examples
— Prashant Jha (@prashantktm) June 19, 2017