Will keep the post of President above politics: Kovind

Guwahati: The NDA's presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind Thursday said he will strive to keep the post of President "above politics" and work for all sections of the society.

"I will strive to keep the post of president above politics. I will try my best to see that every citizen and region gets justice in the socio-economic system," Kovind said here.

The former Bihar Governor was speaking at a function to urge MLAs and MPs of the BJP along with its allies AGP and BPF to support him in the election.

"I will try to ensure that there is no discrimination on the basis of caste, sex, race, religion and region in the country. I will try to take care of all the people. I will work for the all-round development of India," Kovind said.

Noting that the president is the 'Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces', he said security of the international border will be a priority for him.

Kovind lauded the people of North East, saying, "The region has rich heritage and is full of natural resources.

People of North East are very warm and lovely. Their intelligence has no match and wherever they go, they prove their worth."

During the function, Tripura Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Roy Burman paraded all the six MLAs of the party from the neighbouring state and extended full support to Kovind.

Reacting to this, Kovind said, "I am deeply moved by the love received here. I extend my special thanks to the Tripura MLAs, who have all the way here to support me."

Earlier, BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav said it was just a formality to announce Kovind as the next President of India as he already enjoys 61 per cent of vote value across the country.

North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convenor Himanta Biswa Sarma said there was no doubt that Kovind will be a "people's President". "He (Kovind) is a simple man," Sarma remarked.

"Also the Dalit community needs a newer representation and Kovind is a symbol of that. They need an empowered dalit identity," he added.