Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told a gathering of the BJP’s parliamentary party that President Ram Nath Kovind’s assumption of office was a “significant milestone” in the journey started by Jan Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
The Jan Sangh founded in 1951 was the precursor to the BJP.
“The journey, which was started by Syama Prasad Mookerjee, has reached a significant milestone today as the new President takes oath,” he is reported to have said according to those present at the meeting.
Mr. Modi’s comments assume significance as President Kovind is the first BJP leader to occupy the highest constitutional position since Independence.
The last time the BJP had an opportunity to field a candidate for the President of India, it had been A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who was a scientist and was apolitical.
Breaking perceptions
The party has also underlined President Kovind’s Dalit identity and humble origins, a conscious move to break past perceptions that the BJP was a party for the upper castes.
In his speech, President Kovind had acknowledged the ideals of another founding member of the Jan Sangh, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, as well.