Patro to represent BJD when Kovind files nomination

BJD vice-president Surya Narayan Patro will be present when NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind files his nomination paper for the presidential election in Delhi tomorrow.

Patro, also Odisha's food supplies and consumer welfare minister, was chosen by BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to represent the party and accompany the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana during filing of nomination by Bihar governor for presidential election.

"I will be present when Kovind files (his) nomination paper," Patro told reporters before leaving for the national capital.

Patnaik earlier had announced his party's support to Kovind, whom he described as a distinguished scheduled caste leader.
 

While opposition Congress criticised Patnaik and his party for supporting the NDA candidate, another BJD vice- president and state Agriculture Minister Damodar Rout clarified that the party supported Kovind and not the BJP.