"I extend my hearty congratulations to Pranab Mukherjee on his election today as the new President of India. I am sure that the country will make further development and progress. I wish him all success and a bright future," Gadkari told a press conference at his residence here.
He however declined to take questions on cross voting in the Presidential election in the state of Karnataka, where the BJP is in power.
He also declined to answer questions related to the possibility of defeated BJP-sponsored candidate P A Sangama knocking at the doors of the Supreme Court to challenge Pranab Mukherjee's election as president on the issue of his holding an office of profit.