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World|politics|July 21, 2017 / 09:50 AM
Ram Nath Kovind is the new president of India

AKIPRESS.COM - Ram Nath Kovind, a low-caste politician backed by the ruling Hindu nationalist-led coalition, easily won India’s presidential election on Thursday, tightening the government’s hold on positions of power, The Guardian reported.

India’s constitution provides a largely ceremonial role for the president, with the prime minister and his cabinet holding executive power. But the president has a key role during political crises, such as when a general election is inconclusive, by deciding which party is in the best position to form a government.

Kovind, 71, from the Dalit community – the lowest of India’s centuries old caste hierarchy – beat the Congress party’s Meira Kumar, also a Dalit, by an overwhelming majority.

After his victory, Kovind said it was “an emotional moment” for him and it will be his duty to uphold the rule of law. India’s constitution guarantees equal rights to all citizens regardless of faith.

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