I won’t discriminate anyone: Kovind

SHILLONG, JULY 7: NDA presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind today assured of a “discrimination free” country as he pledged for all round development of the nation besides fulfilling the aspiration of the youths and promoting modern education.

“I assure that there will be no discrimination on the basis of caste, greed, region, religion, sex or geographical location. I assure that I will do my best to maintain and uphold the esteem of this highest office,” Kovind said.

The former Bihar governor was addressing the NDA allies, the National People’s Party (NPP) having two MLAs and the Opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) having eight MLAs, during his second day of campaign in the North East region.

India with a population of 1.25 billion is the largest and greatest democracy in the world, Kovind said, “The Constitution of India is supreme and it is the sacred duty not only of the President but of every citizen to upkeep and maintain its supremacy.”

Stating that Meghalaya may be a small state but that doesn’t make any difference, he however said for him the state is equal as the state of Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

“I will always strive for all round development of the nation and nation includes all the states whether it is big or small,” Kovind assured.

Trying to bridge the insecurity among the smaller states in the North East with lesser vote value in the July 17 elections, he said, “I say if I am elected, I will do justice to each citizen, each region and each state.”

According to him, the state and the legislative assembly is sovereign irrespective of the size and numbers.

Lauding the rich culture and heritage of Meghalaya, he said, “You have a role in the development of our New India. That is how I see for each and every state.”

On the welfare of the youths and education, the former Governor of Bihar said, “I will do my best to fulfill the aspirations of youths. I will also take interests in the development of modern education.”

The NDA nominee also assured top priority to the International border binding the NE states from all sides.

He said, “He (the President) is bound to take a most priority to our international borders as well.”

The presidential nominee also called to build a “new India” as the country celebrates its 75^th year of Independence in 2022.

“I think we have to, by this time, build a new India and I was told that PM had already said that the NE states could become the New Engine for the new development of the entire nation and it could become the gateway of India for SE Asian countries,” he said.