Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surprise pick and NDA nominee Ram Nath Kovind today become the President-elect after he defeated Meira Kumar who was backed by 17 Opposition parties.

NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind will be the next President of the country. He won the Presidential contest beating Meira Kumar of the Opposition. Kovind, the former Governor of Bihar, has served as a BJP MP in the Rajya Sabha as well.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Ram Nath Kovind for winning the presidential election. PM Modi tweeted: "Congratulations to Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji on being elected the President of India! Best wishes for a fruitful & inspiring tenure."