‘Daughter of Odisha’ Droupadi Murmu sets history; A life of inspiration to many Indians
New Delhi, NFAPost: Droupadi Murmu, the nominee of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), got elected as the 15th President of India on Wednesday.
Returning Officer P C Mody announced the election of Droupadi Murmu and stated Droupadi Murmu secured 2824 first preference votes-value of which is 6,76,803, while her rival Yashwant Sinha bagged 1,877 first preference votes– value of which is 3,80,177 votes.
Politically the victory assumes significance for BJP as Murmu got more than 70% of the votes cast and at least 20 opposition votes, winning the election by a massive margin. Also, the party can take credit in making youngest women tribal leader as India’s first president from the hill areas of Odisha, proving selfelless sacrifice will bring big results.
Droupadi Murmu comes from Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, which adjoins Jharkhand’s East Singhbhum district. She is a Santhali tribal, a group that holds sway from Odisha to north Bengal.
Tribal chiefs from all over the country are planning to troop into Delhi to felicitate the new president when she takes oath on July 25, putting on display a new, different, iridescent India.
In his congratulatory message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Droupadi Murmu Ji’s life, her early struggles, her rich service and her exemplary success motivates each and every Indian.
“India scripts history. At a time when 1.3 billion Indians are marking Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, a daughter of India hailing from a tribal community born in a remote part of India has been elected our President. She has emerged as a ray of hope for our citizens, especially the poor, marginalised and the downtrodden,” states Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Droupadi Murmu began life as a government official in the agriculture department, becoming councillor and later vice-chairperson of the Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat, and also vice-president of the BJP’s Scheduled Tribes Morcha in Odisha.
In 2000 she became MLA, winning for a second time in 2009. In between she became minister of state for transport and commerce, and then fisheries and animal husbandry in the state in the coalition between the Biju Janata Dal and the BJP.
She served as the Governor of Jharkhand from May 2015 to July 2021, becoming the longest-serving Governor of the mineral-rich state which came into existence in 2000.
In a congratulatory statement Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik showered praise on ‘daughter of Odisha’ Droupadi Murmu.
“Congratulate the daughter of #Odisha, Smt #DroupadiMurmu on being elected as 15th President of India. It is indeed a very proud moment for everyone in Odisha that she has been elected for the highest office in the country,” said Naveen Patnaik in a statement.
He also highlighted that her journey from a humble beginning to become the First Citizen of the country is indeed inspiring and her journey is a shining example of women empowerment. Wish her the very best for a fulfilling tenure ahead.
“Her journey from a humble beginning to become the First Citizen of the country is indeed inspiring and her journey is a shining example of women empowerment. Wish her the very best for a fulfilling tenure ahead,” said Naveen Patnaik.
