Who is Droupadi Murmu, BJP's candidate for presidential polls?

The former Jharkhand governor will be up against ex-Union minister Yashwant Sinha, the joint opposition's nominee, in the July 18 polls. If victorious, she will be the second woman, after Pratibha Patil, to be the country's President.

Published on: Jun 21, 2022, 22:20:03 IST

By HT News Desk, New Delhi

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Hours after the joint opposition picked former Union minister Yashwant Sinha as its choice to be the 15th President of India, the BJP-led ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Tuesday announced its candidate for the July 18 presidential polls: the former governor of Jharkhand, Droupadi Murmu, the ninth holder of that post.

NDA's presidential nominee Droupadi Murmi (centre) with former President Pranab Mukherjee and ex-Jharkhand CM Raghubar Das. (File Photo/HT)

Also Read | BJP names former Jharkhand governor Droupadi Murmu as its Presidential candidate

Here are a few things to know about the politician from Odisha:

(1.) A former leader of the BJP, Murmu served as a Minister of State (Independent charge), in the BJP-BJD (Biju Janata Dal) coalition government, in her home state.

(2.) From March 2000 to August 2002, she held the commerce and transport portfolio. From August 2002 to May 2004, she headed the fisheries and animal resources development ministry.

Also Read | Who is Yashwant Sinha, Opposition's candidate for presidential polls?

(3.) Murmu, who was born in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district and turned 64 on Monday, was the constitutional head of Jharkhand from May 2015 to July 2021. She was succeeded by the incumbent, Ramesh Bais.

(4.) She was the first governor of Jharkhand to complete five years in office. She is also the first tribal to be nominated for the President's post.

Also Read | Jayant Sinha reacts to father Yashwant contesting presidential polls

(5.) If victorious, Murmu will be the first tribal woman to be the country's President, and the second female, after Pratibha Patil. Also, whoever wins, will begin his/her tenure as the First Citizen on July 25, a day after the incumbent, Ram Nath Kovind, finishes his five-year-term.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

President Of India

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk Hunger Strike LIVE and more across India.