President-elect Kovind vows to uphold constitution, serve poor and marginalised

NEW DELHI: After securing a comfortable victory in the 2017 Presidential election, an emotional Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday said his foremost duty will be to uphold the Indian Constitution and serve the marginalised sections of the society. Addressing the media after the official announcement, Kovind said his ascension to the President's office was a message for the people who work with utmost dedicational and honesty. "Thoughts of serving my country have brought me this far. My job will be to uphold and protect the Constitution," he said. "My elevation to the highest office is a message for the people who do their work with honest. I will represent the working class and poor sections of the society. This is the novelty of Indian democracy that today I am elected the President of the country," he added. Kovind also congratulated his opposition Meria Kumar for her campaign during the elections. He defeated opposition's Meira Kumar, a former Lok Sabha speaker, garnering more than 65 percent of the votes in the Electoral College, the Returning Officer for the poll announced today. The 71-year old, who will be the second Dalit to hold the top constitutional position, received 2930 votes with a value of 702044, the returning officer, Anoop Mishra, said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Kovind and wished him a "fruitful and inspiring tenure". Modi also congratulated opposition candidate Meira Kumar for her campaign. "Congratulations to Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji on being elected the President of India! Best wishes for a fruitful and inspiring tenure," Modi said on Twitter. (With inputs from agencies)