Kovind, Meira in presidential contest after last day of nomination withdrawal

New Delhi, July 1: NDA's presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind and the opposition-backed Meira Kumar will face each other in the July 17 election, with the two being left in the fray after the last day of withdrawal of candidature on Saturday.

Only Kovind and Kumar's papers were found valid after scrutiny on June 29 of all the nominations filed by over 90 candidates.

Both Kovind and Kumar have started touring states to seek support from members of the electoral college.

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is seen to have a clear edge in the election. Kumar is backed by the Congress and other 16 opposition parties.

Elected members of Parliament and state assemblies, including those of Delhi and Puducherry, are members of the electoral college.

The counting of votes will take place on July 20.