By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, June 19, 2017 : Ending all speculation in the media circle, Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday extended his party Biju Janata Dal’s [BJD] support to National Democratic Alliance’s [NDA] candidate Ram Nath Kovind as Presidential candidate.

“The Hon’ble PM spoke to me to inform about the candidature of Ram Nath Kovind as Presidential nominee. He sought the support of BJD in this regard. Last time BJD had proposed the name of eminent leader of tribal community PA Sangma. Based on BJD’s request many political parties including BJP had supported him. In this backdrop and considering the fact that Shri Kovind is an eminent lawyer belonging to the Scheduled Caste community, BJD, after discussing with senior leaders of the party has decided to support his candidature,” Naveen tolfd media persons.

Earlier, the NDA had announced Ram Nath Kovind, the Bihar Governor, as its Presidential candidate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Patnaik over phone on Monday seeking consensus over the candidate.

While Bihar CM and JDU chief Nitish Kumar as well as TMC Supremo and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee had called upon Naveen to discuss the candidate for Presidential elections, Naveen had not taken any sides and had maintained BJD would decide after seeing the candidates.