2002 Indian presidential election

The 2002 Indian presidential election was held on July 15, 2002, to elect the 11th President of India. This election was significant as it took place against a backdrop of political instability and communal tensions following the Gujarat riots earlier that year. The primary contest occurred between two leading candidates: the incumbent President, K. R. Narayanan, and former Union Minister, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance. Dr. Kalam emerged victorious, receiving widespread support from both the ruling coalition and a majority of opposition parties, securing a decisive 89.7% of the electoral votes. His election was seen as a unifying choice for the nation, emphasizing scientific progress and national integrity.