President congratulates Kovind

President Pranab Mukherjee today congratulated Ram Nath Kovind on his victory in the presidential poll and hoped his successor would lead the country on the path of democracy and prosperity.

In his message, Mukherjee said: "I extend to you my heartiest congratulations on your election as the 14th President of the Republic of India.

I also offer my best wishes to you for a successful tenure. May you lead India to the path of democracy, stability and prosperity."

Kovind, the ruling NDA coalition's candidate, was today elected as India's next president with an overwhelming majority of votes from the country's lawmakers. He defeated the joint opposition candidate Meira Kumar, a former Lok Sabha speaker.