Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday congratulated Ram Nath Kovind for winning the Presidential elections, saying that "democracy has won".
Gadkari told ANI, "I congratulate Ramnath Kovind for his victory. It's a proud moment for India as an educated person, who understands the condition of the backward class and the poor section of the society, has become the country's President. Democracy has won."
Gadkari said that India will flourish under Kovind's leadership.
"He is a decent and gentle person; I have even worked with him. He will work for the up-liftment of the socially backward classes. They would be given justice", he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day congratulated Kovind for winning the Presidential elections and becoming the 14th President of India.
Prime Minister Modi took to his Twitter account to express his happiness over Kovind's victory.
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"Congratulations to Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji on being elected the President of India! Best wishes for a fruitful & inspiring tenure," the Prime Minister Tweeted.
"Gladdened by the extensive support for Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji among MPs & across various states. I thank members of the electoral college," he added.
The Prime Minister also praised Kovind's rival in election and Opposition's candidate Meira Kumar for her campaign. He said her campaign was in spirit of the democratic ethos and values.
Kovind obtained 65.65 percent of votes from the electoral college, while his opponent, Kumar secured 34.35 percent.
Kovind secured 2930 votes with a value of 7,02,044. Kumar got 1,844 votes with the value of 3,67,314, said Anoop Mishra, the returning officer for the presidential election 2017.
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