President swearing in ceremony live: Will defend Constitution of India, says President Pranab Mukherjee

New Delhi: 11:40 am: In his first speech as the 13th President of India, Pranab Mukherjee vowed to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of India. "I will strive to preserve, protect and defend our constitution not just in words but also in spirit," said President Pranab Mukherjee.

Talking of poverty in India, Pranab said, "Trickle down theories do not address legitimate aspirations of the poor. We must erase poverty from the dictionary of modern India."

Applauding the defence forces of India, Pranab said, "I am proud of the valour, conviction and steely determination of our armed forces and brave police forces."

Pranab takes the oath as President

11:30 am: Pranab Mukherjee has been sworn in as the 13th President of India. Pranab Mukherjee was administered the oath of office in the Central Hall of Parliament by Chief Justice Of India SH Kapadia. He was given a 21-gun salute after taking the oath as the President.

11:23 am: President-elect Pranab Mukherjee and outgoing President Pratibha Patil greeted the Members of Parliament present for the swearing in ceremony and the national anthem was played.

11:18 am: President-elect Pranab Mukherjee and outgoing President Pratibha Patil have reached Parliament. Pranab is expected to take oath in the Central Hall of Parliament around 11:30 am.

11:10 am: President-elect Pranab Mukherjee is headed to Parliament with outgoing President Pratibha Patil, who presided over her final guard of honour at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

10:40 am: President elect Pranab Mukherjee reached Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he will meet outgoing President Pratibha Patil, who will preside over her final guard of honour.

10:00 am: Pranab Mukherjee paid his respects Indira Gandhi at Shakti Sthal and headed to meet outgoing President Pratibha Patil, who will preside over her final guard of honour.

Back in Pranab's village, his sister Annapurna said that she praid her brother remained untainted as the President.

9:40 am: After paying his respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, President elect Pranab Mukherjee paid respects to Rajiv Gandhi at Veer Bhumi before heading to take oath as the 13th President of India.

9:25 am: President elect Pranab Mukherjee reached Rajghat to pay his respects before he takes oath as the 13th President of India at the Central Hall of Parliament.

9:00 am: President elect Pranab Mukherjee left from his residence for Rajghat to pay his respects before he takes oath as the 13th President of India at the Central Hall of Parliament.

Pranab had defeated tribal leader PA Sangma in a virtual no-contest, getting 69 per cent votes in the President poll.

But the opposition is in mood to give in just yet. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Sangma will move the Supreme Court next week to challenge Pranab's election on the ground that he held an office of profit while filing his nomination.

Pranab Mukherjee has a slew of issues to deal with the crucial one being the pending mercy petition of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru. Speaking to CNN-IBN Deputy Editor Sagarika Ghose, Pranab had said that he will study Afzal Guru's plea and will comment on it only after that.

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