There was something new and surprising witnessed in Parliament’s Central Hall on Tuesday. (Photo: Video grab)

There was something new and surprising witnessed in Parliament’s Central Hall after Ram Nath Kovind took oath as the 14th President of India. The Central Hall of Parliament echoed with ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and Bharat Mata Ki Jai slogans immediately after Ram Nath Kovind took oath as the new President of India, ABP News reported. According to a report in Aaj Tak, BJP MPs were chanting Jai Shri Ram and Bharat Mata Ki Jai slogans. Ram Nath Kovind was on Tuesday sworn in as India’s 14th president, the first BJP leader and the second Dalit in the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Kovind was administered the oath of office to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and law” by Chief Justice of India J S Kehar in an impressive ceremony in the Central Hall of Parliament.

The 71-year-old took oath in Hindi to thunderous applause and thumping of desks by the gathering, including Vice President Hamid Ansari, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee and former president Pratibha Patil.

Former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and H D Devegowda, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar, former deputy prime minister L K Advani as well as Union ministers and foreign dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

After he took oath, Kovind was given a 21-gun salute to mark the assumption of office of the highest constitutional post in the country.

Honoured to be sworn in as the 14th President of India; would be carrying out my responsibilities with all humility #PresidentKovind — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 25, 2017

Kovind was elected with 65 per cent of votes defeating Meira Kumar to occupy the top post.