Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said Droupadi Murmu, named as the BJP-led NDA's choice for the next President, will make a "great President". Modi said the former Jharkhand governor has devoted her life to serving society
In a late-night announcement, the BJP parliamentary board named Murmu, a tribal leader of the party from Odisha, as the ruling NDA's candidate for the presidential election.
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"Droupadi Murmu Ji has devoted her life to serving society and empowering the poor, downtrodden as well as the marginalised," Modi wrote in a series of tweets.
She has rich administrative experience and had an outstanding gubernatorial tenure, he said. "I am confident she will be a great President of our nation," Modi said.
{{/usCountry}}She has rich administrative experience and had an outstanding gubernatorial tenure, he said. "I am confident she will be a great President of our nation," Modi said.
{{/usCountry}}The Prime Minister added millions of people, especially those who have experienced poverty and faced hardships, derive great strength from the life of Murmu. "Her understanding of policy matters and compassionate nature will greatly benefit our country," Modi said.
Other BJP leaders also spoke in praise of Murmu. BJP chief JP Nadda, while making the announcement of Nadda's candidature, said for the first time, preference has been given to a woman tribal candidate.
Union home minister Amit Shah said, "This decision will elevate tribal pride to new heights.
Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar said, “I welcome Droupadi Murmu's name as Presidential candidate. She is a capable and deserving candidate; has worked in different roles and responsibilities including for the poor, tribals, women. She'll fulfill her responsibilities even at this post.”
Murmu (64) will be the first person from Odisha and the first tribal woman to occupy the top constitutional post if elected, a strong possibility as numbers are stacked in favour of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Defence minister Rajnath Singh wrote, “Congratulations to Smt. Draupadi Murmu ji on being declared as the NDA’s Presidential candidate. She is known for her administrative qualities, humility and passion to work for the welfare of the poor and other marginalised sections of our society. I extend my best wishes to her.”