Ram Nath Kovind has been elected the next President of India. The NDA-backed candidate won two-third of the votes cast by an electoral college of MPs and MLAs. Celebrations had begun long before the results were announced. Extra security has also arrived at the former Bihar governor's home in Delhi with sweets being passed around at his hometown in Uttar Pradesh. Kovind, 71, will be sworn in on July 25.

PM Narendra Modi tweeted his congratulations saying, "Congratulations to Ram Nath KovindJi on being elected the President of India! Best wishes for a fruitful & inspiring tenure. Gladdened by extensive support for Ram Nath KovindJi among MPs & across various states. I thank members of electoral college. I also congratulate Meira KumarJi for her campaign, which was in spirit of democratic ethos & values we all are proud of."


The PM then tweeted two pictures, saying, "20 years ago and the presentalways been a privilege to know you, President Elect."


The first picture, presumably taken in 1997, is at a wedding, while the second picture taken recently, is with Ram Nath Kovind and his family .