Murmu, 64, of the Santhal community in Odisha, was named the BJP-led NDA’s Presidential nominee Tuesday night, just hours after former Union Minister Yashwant Sinha was declared the joint nominee of major Opposition parties including the Congress, TMC, and NCP.
Former Jharkhand Governor Droupadi Murmu is set to be elected as the country’s next President, making her 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 Tuesday 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.
Murmu has “devoted her life to serving society,” according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and he is “confident she will be a great President.”
Modi wrote on Twitter, “Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji has devoted her life to serving society and empowering the poor, oppressed, and marginalised.” She has extensive administrative experience and a stellar gubernatorial record. “I am confident she will be an excellent President for our country.”
“Millions of people, particularly those who have experienced poverty and hardship, draw great strength from Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji’s life.” “Her policy acumen and compassionate nature will greatly benefit our country,” he said.
Murmu was a minister in Odisha when the BJP was in coalition with the BJD. Odisha Chief Minister and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik called her candidacy announcement a “proud moment for people” in the state.
“Congratulations to Smt Draupadi Murmu on her selection as the NDA’s candidate for the country’s highest office.” I was overjoyed when Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji discussed this with me. “It is a proud moment for the people of Odisha,” he wrote on Twitter.
Earlier, in announcing the decision, Nadda stated that the ruling party made efforts to reach an agreement on the Presidential nominee. “However, no consensus was reached during the discussions.” The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) announced its presidential candidate today. We’ve talked about it with our allies. Around 20 names were considered, and detailed discussions on these names took place. “After consulting with our allies, we have decided to nominate a woman candidate from the East who is also from a tribal community,” he said, adding that if Murmu is elected, she will be the first tribal President.
Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, former President of Murmu, was compared to Nadda. “Like Dr. Radhakrishnan, her life has been intertwined with education.” “She was a teacher by trade,” he explained.
According to party sources, Murmu, who has the Prime Minister’s trust, was the leadership’s first choice. In fact, her name was floated as a possible candidate for President in 2017 — the BJP eventually nominated Ram Nath Kovind, who will step down next month after serving his full term.
At least three senior BJP leaders praised Murmu’s nomination as “good and politically significant.” “There are many reasons for the party cadre to applaud this decision,” a senior minister in the Modi government said. She is a woman, a tribal, grounded, and humble leader, a devoted BJP worker, and her selection aligns with the BJP’s core governance theme — Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. Sabka Prayas, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas Droupadi Murmu will bring her extensive administrative experience, ranging from the district to the state level, to Rashtrapati Bhavan.”