By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, July 14, 2017 : Ram Nath Kovind, the presidential candidate of the ruling National Democratic Alliance on Friday promised to be impartial while performing his role as the next President.

Kovind was in the city to meet Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MPs and MLAs seeking support him for the post of president.

Referring to the demand of BJD MLAs and MPs for the state’s special category status and also a just share of Mahanadi river water, Kovind assured to be impartial while addressing a closed-door meeting of BJD MPs, MLAs in the presence of chief minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik.

“I am very happy to be here. I am grateful for the full fledged support of the BJD led by Naveen Patnaik,” said Kovind.

He then headed towards Naveen Nivas, residence of the CM, where he had lunch.

Patnaik told media persons that his party is supporting Ram Nath Kovind ji as the presidential candidate. “Today we had a meeting at the legislative assembly with the BJD MPs and MLAs requesting them to vote for him,” Patnaik said.

On being asked about the possibility of cross voting, Patnaik said, “I don’t think there is chance of cross voting at all.”

Kovind later met BJP MLAs at BJP legislature party leader KV Singh Deo’s residence here.

Meanwhile, UPA’s presidential nominee Meira Kumar, for the second time on Friday, cancelled her visit to the state.