Ram Nath Kovind was today sworn in as the 14th President of India, the first BJP leader and the second Dalit in the Rashtrapati Bhavan. He was administered the oath of office to ‘preserve, protect and defend the constitution and law’ by Chief Justice of India JS Kehar in an impressive ceremony in the Central Hall of Parliament. After he took oath, Kovind was given a 21-gun salute to mark the assumption of office of the highest constitutional post in the country.
The 71-year-old took oath in Hindi to thunderous applause and thumping of desks by the gathering, including Vice President Hamid Ansari, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee and former president Pratibha Patil. Former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and HD Devegowda, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar, former deputy prime minister L K Advani as well as Union ministers and foreign dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
Here’s who said what:
Pranab Mukherjee, 13th President of India: My heartiest congratulations to Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Hon'ble President of India. Wishing you success and happiness in the years to come.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India: Very inspiring address by President Kovind, which beautifully summed up the essence of India's strengths, democracy & diversity. Congratulations to Shri Ram Nath Kovind ji on taking oath as the President of India.
Piyush Goyal, Union Minister: Today, the people welcome Shri Ram Nath Kovind as the President of India. His humble beginnings & wisdom will guide us towards a New India.
INC India: Congratulations to Shri Ram Nath Kovind on becoming the 14th President of India.
ShivrajSingh Chouhan, Madhya Pradesh CM: Congratulations Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji on assuming the office of President of India. Best wishes for a successful tenure. Your journey is a source of inspiration for countrymen. Your experience, acumen & wisdom will take India to new heights.
Manohar Parrikar, Goa CM: Congratulation to Ram Nath Kovind ji on being sworn in as the 14th President of India.
Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra CM: Congratulations to Honourable Ram Nath Kovind ji on taking oath as the 14th President of India! Honoured to witness oath ceremony.
Vijay Rupani, Gujarat CM: Many congratulations to Shri Ramnath Kovind ji on taking over the highest office of the country. Wish you all the best. Thank you Pranab Da for embellishing the highest constitutional office with grace and dignity. You have enriched democratic institutions. Pranab Da's contribution in upholding plurality of our society and diversity of our culture through public discourse is unparalleled.
N Chandrababu Naidu, Andhra Pradesh CM: Congratulations to Sri Ram Nath Kovind Garu on taking oath as the President. His tenure as guardian of our democracy will be inspirational.
Dr Raman Singh, Chhattisgarh CM: Chhattisgarh wishes President Kovind ji a very successful tenure! India is sure to prosper multifold under his leadership.
