Background
In the lead-up to the 2017 Indian presidential election, there was considerable speculation regarding whether Pranab Mukherjee would seek a second term in office. As the 13th President of India, Mukherjee had served from 2012 to 2017 and had built a reputation as an experienced and respected politician. However, after much deliberation, he ultimately chose not to run for re-election, thereby paving the way for new candidates to emerge. His decision had significant implications for the political landscape as it marked the end of an era of leadership that had been characterized by diplomatic engagement and nuanced governance.
Mukherjee's term officially concluded on 24 July 2017, and this transition highlighted the importance of the presidential office in India, which, while largely ceremonial, plays a crucial role in upholding the Constitution and representing the unity of the diverse nation. The vacant presidency triggered intense discussions among political parties about potential successors and the qualities that would be required to fulfill this high office. Following Mukherjee's decision, various names circulated, reflecting the political alliances and shifts within key parties, including the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the principal opposition party, the Indian National Congress.
As the elections approached, the need for a candidate who could garner consensus among a multitude of parties became evident. This political backdrop was further marked by discussions of social issues, the economy, and national security, with many advocating for a leader who would ensure stability and continuity in governance. Ultimately, the 2017 presidential election turned out to be a critical moment for India, allowing for the emergence of new voices and the strengthening of democratic processes within one of the world's largest democracies.
Selection Process of the Indian Presidency
The President of India is elected through a unique indirect voting process, which emphasizes the federal structure of the nation. The electoral college responsible for this election comprises a diverse group of elected representatives. Specifically, it includes members from both houses of Parliament, namely the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, as well as elected members from the Legislative Assemblies of all 28 states. Additionally, the electoral college encompasses representatives from the Legislative Assemblies of the Union Territories of Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu and Kashmir. By 2017, the makeup of this electoral college consisted of 776 Members of Parliament (MPs) alongside 4,120 Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs).
To ensure a fair representation in the election process, the system allocates different weights to the votes of the electoral college members. This is designed so that the total voting power of MPs closely aligns with that of MLAs. Furthermore, the vote distribution reflects the population proportions of the respective states and territories, thereby acknowledging their demographic significance. Collectively, the members of this electoral college held the capability to cast a staggering total of 1,098,903 votes. Consequently, the target for a simple majority was set at 549,452 votes, mandating that any candidate seeking election must secure this threshold to assume the presidency.
For a candidate to be eligible for election, their nomination must be supported by a minimum of 50 electors as proposers and another 50 as seconders, demonstrating a requisite level of backing from the electoral college. The election itself is conducted via a secret ballot, utilizing the single transferable vote system which allows voters to rank candidates in their order of preference. This system is designed to ensure that the elected candidate reflects the broader consensus of the electoral college, rather than merely a simple plurality win. The constitutional framework governing this election process is detailed in Article 55 of the Indian Constitution. In 2017, the election was managed by Anoop Mishra, who served as the Secretary General of the Lok Sabha, ensuring that the process adhered to established legal and procedural norms.
Electoral College Partisan Composition
During the 2017 Indian presidential election, the composition of the Electoral College was a significant factor in determining the outcome. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), a coalition led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), found itself short of a simple majority, with a deficit of approximately 25,000 votes. This shortfall raised concerns about their ability to secure the needed votes to favor their candidate. However, the NDA was optimistic about its chances, as it had a strategy to collaborate with other regional and national parties to close the gap.
The Indian presidential elections are not direct but rather conducted through an Electoral College, which is composed of the elected members of both houses of Parliament as well as the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of States and Union territories. This structure requires candidates to garner a predetermined quota of votes to be elected. The complexities of coalition politics often play a crucial role in such contests, and in the case of the 2017 election, the NDA sought to leverage its existing alliances and build new temporary partnerships with smaller parties.
In addition to the NDA's efforts, the opposition also organized to consolidate their votes against the NDA candidate. The unity of the opposition was pivotal in presenting a formidable challenge to the NDA's ambitions. This dynamic underscored the critical nature of negotiations and dialogues among political parties in India, especially during elections where the stakes are high. Ultimately, the ability of the NDA to effectively navigate these political waters was crucial in their quest for securing the presidency. Combined with their outreach efforts and negotiations with other political entities, the NDA aimed not only to overcome its immediate deficit but also to bolster its overall influence in the political landscape of the nation.
Public Opinion on the 2017 Presidential Election
In the lead-up to the 2017 Indian presidential election, which was held on July 17, public opinion polls provided valuable insights into the electorate's perception of the candidates, despite the fact that the election process itself was not conducted as a traditional popular vote. The two primary candidates for the presidency were Ram Nath Kovind, who was the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) nominee, and Meira Kumar, the candidate backed by a coalition of opposition parties.
Both Business Insider-Ipsos and NDTV conducted polls that gauged public sentiment, revealing a significant preference for Kovind among respondents. The Business Insider-Ipsos poll indicated that 71% of respondents supported Kovind, while the NDTV poll documented a slightly lower figure of 63% in his favor. These high approval ratings reflected not only Kovind's political affiliations but also the broader social and political dynamics at play in India during this period.
Kovind's candidacy was particularly notable as he represented a break from traditional political backgrounds, being the first president from the Dalit community, a group historically marginalized in Indian society. His selection as a candidate by the ruling BJP was widely viewed as a strategic move to consolidate support among Dalit voters and reinforce the party's commitment to social inclusion. The polls highlighted a broader theme of nationalistic pride and the BJP's governing narrative, which resonated well with a substantial portion of the electorate.
On the other hand, Meira Kumar, a former Speaker of the Lok Sabha and a seasoned politician from the Indian National Congress, represented more traditional opposition sentiments. Despite her extensive experience and appeals to secularism and inclusivity, the polling numbers suggested that she struggled to gain traction with a majority of voters, indicating a shifting landscape in Indian politics. As the election drew closer, these polling figures would be pivotal in understanding the electorate’s priorities and preferences, particularly in an era marked by significant political change and polarization in the country.
Ultimately, while the polls suggested strong support for Kovind, the election results would reflect the complexity of India's electoral system, where the vote is cast by an electoral college comprising Members of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies, rather than the general population. This system meant that public opinion was just one of many factors influencing the electoral outcome.
Candidates
In the 2017 Indian presidential election, two prominent candidates emerged from the nation's major political coalitions. The governing National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), nominated Ram Nath Kovind, a former Governor of Bihar and a seasoned politician with a long service record within the party. His nomination reflected the NDA's strategy to field a candidate who could resonate with the party's base while also appealing to voters in various socioeconomic strata across the country.
On the opposing side, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), primarily spearheaded by the Indian National Congress, nominated Meira Kumar as their candidate. Meira Kumar was not only a seasoned politician but also a former Speaker of the Lok Sabha, marking her as the first woman to hold that position in India. Her nomination represented the UPA's commitment to inclusivity and gender representation within the highest echelons of Indian politics.
The electoral contest between Kovind and Kumar was not just a battle between two candidates but also a reflection of the broader ideological clash between the NDA, which emphasizes a Hindutva-centric approach, and the UPA, which traditionally champions secularism and social justice. As the election neared, both candidates garnered support from various regional parties, which added another layer of complexity to the race while demonstrating the diverse political landscape of India.
Voter sentiments and political alliances were pivotal in the election process, as they shaped the nature of the campaigns. The election was conducted through a system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote, involving an electoral college consisting of elected members of both houses of Parliament and the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of States and Union territories. The outcome of this election would have significant implications for India's political future and set the tone for the relationship between the presidency and the ruling government.
Results and Inauguration of Ram Nath Kovind
The 2017 Indian presidential election culminated in the declaration of Ram Nath Kovind as the President-elect after the counting of votes on July 20, 2017. Kovind, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a former governor of Bihar, was chosen as the presidential candidate by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). His election was significant not only for his political background but also as it marked the ascent of India's first Dalit president, symbolizing a crucial evolution in the nation’s political landscape.
On July 25, 2017, Kovind took his oath of office as the 15th President of India. The oath was administered by the Chief Justice of India, Jagdish Singh Khehar, in a formal ceremony held at the Central Hall of the Parliament House in New Delhi. This ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including the Vice President, the Prime Minister, and members of the Cabinet, along with other esteemed guests. Kovind's swearing-in represented not just a personal milestone for him but also a momentous note in India's democratic journey, illustrating the nation’s commitment to inclusivity.
In his inaugural speech, President Kovind emphasized the need for unity and expressed his dedication to fostering a harmonious and inclusive society. His win was seen as a reinforcement of the BJP's agenda and an important turning point for representation in the highest offices of the country. The election and subsequent inauguration set the stage for Kovind's tenure, which was marked by his efforts to bridge various social divides and strengthen the nation's democratic fabric.
Reactions to the Indian Presidential Election 2017 highlights the swift acknowledgment of the results by prominent figures in the Indian political landscape. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Ram Nath Kovind through Twitter, expressing optimism for his presidency with the words, "Best wishes for a fruitful & inspiring tenure." This heartfelt message was complemented by another tweet in which he expressed joy over the wide-ranging support Kovind received across various political factions, thanking the electoral college members for their contribution to the democratic process. These tweets set a collaborative tone in the wake of a contentious electoral period, underscoring the importance of unity in governance.
The election results illustrated a decisive preference among the electoral college, which consisted of Members of Parliament and State Legislatures. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), headed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), demonstrated a strong majority, accumulating a total of 527,371 votes, equivalent to 48.10% of the overall votes cast. The NDA coalition encompassed a diverse range of political parties, including Shiv Sena (SHS), Telugu Desam Party (TDP), and several others. Meanwhile, the opposition, primarily the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), garnered 173,849 votes with a share of 15.90%. Other parties collectively contributed to the opposition tally as well, emphasizing the multi-faceted political landscape of India.
Ram Nath Kovind, the candidate for the NDA, was born on October 1, 1945, in Kanpur Dehat, Uttar Pradesh. He was previously the Governor of Bihar from 2015 to 2017 and served as a Member of the Rajya Sabha representing Uttar Pradesh from 1994 until 2006. His political trajectory indicated solid experience in governance, making him a favorable candidate for the presidency. On the other hand, Meira Kumar, the UPA candidate, also brought a wealth of experience to the table as the 15th Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 2009 to 2014. Born on March 31, 1945, in Darbhanga, Bihar, she had served in various capacities, including as Union Minister of Water Resources and Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, showcasing her commitment to public service.
The voting statistics further reveal the scale of participation in this crucial electoral event, with a reported turnout of 97.29% among registered voters. The total valid votes stood at 1,069,358, with Kovind securing an impressive 65.65% against Kumar's 34.35%. Such high engagement in the electoral process is indicative of the robust democratic ethos in India, with citizens exercising their rights to elect their highest constitutional authority. Overall, the 2017 Indian Presidential Election marked a significant chapter in India's political narrative, reflecting both the prevailing sentiments of the electorate and the evolving nature of party dynamics in the country.