Presidential election: Nitish Kumar to support BJP's pick Ram Nath Kovind

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has decided to support National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate Ram Nath Kovind for the post of president, said JD(U) leader.

The decision was taken at a meeting of senior Janata Dal (United) leaders. "We have decided to support Ram Nath Kovind," said JD(U) MLA ​Ratnesh Sada.

The BJP on Monday announced the name of the 71-year-old Kovind, a low-profile Dalit leader and a two-term BJP Rajya Sabha member, as its choice for President.

After this announcement, Nitish had met Kovind at Raj Bhawan in Patna and extended his wishes.

Though Nitish expressed happiness that the Bihar Governor would be the NDA's candidate for the President elections, he had said a detailed discussion would be held on the matter within the JD(U).

The election for the next President of India is to be held on July 17. President Pranab Mukherjee will demit office on July 24.

Earlier, Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik extended full support to Ram Nath Kovind.