BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday pledged the support of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) to BJP’s Presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind. Patnaik made this announcement after discussing with senior party leaders.
“The Prime Minister spoke to me about the candidature of Ram Nath Kovind as Presidential nominee. He sought the support of the BJD in this regard,” Panaik told reporters here.
In the last presidential election, the BJD had proposed the name of veteran parliamentarian and an eminent leader from tribal community in North-East PA Sangma. Several political parties including the BJP had supported his nomination.
Patnaik said being an eminent lawyer, Kovind is most suitable candidate for the highest constitutional post. “The Office of the President of India is above political considerations and BJD wants to keep it above politics,” the Chief Minister said.
This is the second time Patnaik extended his support to the Prime Minister on an important issue, the first being the demonetisation.