Mumbai, June 20 (IANS): Veteran screenwriter Salim Khan on Tuesday extended his support to NDA's candidate Ram Nath Kovind for the President's office. He said people have not heard of him much because "he has stayed away from any controversies".

Kovind, who is Governer of Bihar, was named by the NDA as its presidential candidate on Monday.

"Ram Nath Kovind? Never heard of him? Poor general knowledge. Now that his name is announced as the presidential candidate, every one knows him. The other reason you may have not heard of him as he has stayed away from any controversies," Salim tweeted on Tuesday.

"You think it's political? Well what did you expect? This is not a game of cricket being played between two friendly teams," he added.

Salim, father of superstar Salman Khan, later congratulated Kovind and slammed those who criticised the NDA for choosing him.

"Congratulations to Shri Kovindji and to the ones who shortlisted his name for candidature. I hope he becomes one of the greatest Presidents of India. Fairness, objectivity and honesty unfortunately have become rare," he wrote.

The presidential election, if required, will be held on July 17.