Bihar governor Ram Nath Kovind is NDA's Presidential nominee

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced Ram Nath Kovind as NDA’s Presidential nominee. BJP chief Amit Shah announced that the Parliamentary Board decided his name and almost all the members agreed to him being the NDA candidate. Amit Shah further said that the decision has been conveyed to the opposition and the ball lies in their court now.

Mr Kovind, who is a Dalit, is a farmer's son and his humble origins and simple lifestyle is being stressed by BJP leaders. 

He was named Governor of Bihar by the centre three years ago. He is a former leader of the BJP's unit that represents Dalit and served two terms as a member of the Rajya Sabha. He is a trained lawyer who has appeared at the High Court and Supreme Court.

He worked as a top aide to former Prime Minister Morarji Desai and has represented India at the United Nations in New York.

By selecting a Dalit, the BJP has moved to consolidate its support among lower castes and poorer voters.