Former Jharkhand Governor, Droupadi Murmu is set to be elected as the country’s second female President, and the first tribal woman to hold the highest office.
Murmu, 64, of the Santhal community in Odisha, was named the BJP-led NDA’s Presidential nominee June 21 night, just hours after former Union Minister Yashwant Sinha was declared the joint nominee of major Opposition parties including the Congress, TMC, and NCP.
Murmu’s election is almost certain because the numbers are heavily stacked in the ruling NDA’s favour. Her candidacy, announced by BJP president J P Nadda following a meeting of the party’s parliamentary board, appeared to have put some opposition parties in a bind, particularly the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), which relies on tribal votes for electoral strength.
Droupadi Murmu devoted her life to serving society and empowering the poor
Modi tweeted, “Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji has devoted her life to serving society and empowering the poor, downtrodden as well as the marginalised. She has rich administrative experience and had an outstanding gubernatorial tenure. I am confident she will be a great President of our nation.”
He further said, “Millions of people, especially those who have experienced poverty and faced hardships, derive great strength from the life of Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji. Her understanding of policy matters and compassionate nature will greatly benefit our country.”
From Mayurbhanj, Murmu was a minister in Odisha when the BJP was in alliance with the BJD. Odisha Chief Minister and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik said the announcement of her candidature was a “proud moment for people” of the state.
Around 20 names were considered and detailed discussions held
Earlier, announcing the decision, Nadda said the ruling party made efforts to evolve a consensus over the Presidential nominee. “But there was no consensus formed in the discussions. Today, the UPA has announced its nominee for the Presidential election. We have discussed it with our allies. Around 20 names were considered and detailed discussions were held on these names. After talking with our allies, we have decided to nominate a woman candidate from the East, and who is also from a tribal community,” he said.
Droupadi Murmur is a teacher by profession
Nadda compared Murmu former President Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. “Like Dr Radhakrishnan, her life also has been closely connected with education. She was a teacher by profession,” he said.
