BJP announces Odisha’s Draupadi Murmu as its Presidential candidate

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief JP Nadda on Tuesday announced Draupadi Murmu from Odisha as NDA’s Presidential candidate. “For the first time, preference has been given to a woman tribal candidate. We announce Draupadi Murmu as NDA’s candidate for the upcoming Presidential elections,” JP Nadda said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote in a tweet, “Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji has devoted her life to serving society and empowering the poor, downtrodden as well as the marginalized. She has rich administrative experience and had an outstanding gubernatorial tenure. I am Confident she will be a great President of our nation.”

In another tweet, the PM 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.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote in Twitter ‘’Today is an important day for the country when NDA, under the leadership of Narendra Modi, J P Nadda announced Draupadi Murmu as the Presidential candidate. This decision will work to take tribal pride to new heights. I congratulate Modi ji for this,”

Congratulating Draupadi Murmu Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, “I was delighted when PM Modi discussed this with me. It is indeed a proud moment for people of Odisha. I am sure Smt Murmu will set a shining example for women empowerment in the country.”

The BJP chose Murmu as its candidate for the post of President against Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha. If Murmu becomes the successor of present incumbent Ram Nath Kovind, she will be the first Odia to hold the topmost constitutional post and will become the 15th President of India.