The BJD on Monday announced its support to the candidature of Ram Nath Kovind, named by the BJP, for the President election.
“The Prime Minister spoke to me about the candidature of Ram Nath Kovind as Presidential nominee. He sought support of the BJD in this regard, and we have decided to support his candidature,” Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik told reporters.
Clarifying his decision to support the BJP candidate, he said. “When the BJD had proposed the name of PA Sangma during the last Presidential election, many parties, including the BJP, had supported his nomination. Besides, Kovind is an eminent lawyer belonging to the SC community. After discussions among senior party leaders, the BJD has decided to support Kovind’s candidature.”
Patnaik stated that the office of the President is above political considerations, and the BJD wants to keep it above politics.