NEW DELHI — The candidate from India's governing Congress party, former Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, has claimed victory in the election for the country's next president, a largely ceremonial position.
With about three-quarters of the ballots from last week's election counted Sunday, the Press Trust of India news agency reported that Mukherjee had received more than half.
Mukherjee claimed victory and expressed deep gratitude to his supporters.
His rival, Purno Agitok Sangma, conceded defeat.
Mukherjee has served previously as foreign minister, defense minister and finance minister.