New Delhi: After announcing former Jharkhand Governor Draupadi Murmu as the Presidential candidate for NDA, the centre has provided her round-the-clock Z+ category security cover by the armed Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) starting today. The armed squad took over the security of Murmu, 64, early Wednesday morning, according to a PTI report. Congratulatory messages from leaders flooded for Murmu after the announcement by Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
“I am surprised as well as delighted. As a tribal woman from remote Mayurbhanj district, I had not thought about becoming the candidate for the top post,” Murmu told reporters at her Rairangpur residence.
She said the NDA government has now proven the BJP’s slogan of “Sab Ka Saath, Sab Ka Biswas,” by selecting a tribal woman for the top post.
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She is the first woman and a tribal leader from Odisha to be appointed a governor in an Indian state. If elected, Murmu will be the first tribal President of India and the second-ever female President. The presidential elections are scheduled for July 18.
To begin with, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the 64-year-old politician and tweeted, “Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji has devoted her life to serving society and empowering the poor, the downtrodden as well as the marginalised. She has rich administrative experience and had an outstanding gubernatorial tenure.”
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He further added that the former Jharkhand governor's understanding of policy matters and compassionate nature will greatly benefit the country. Other leaders also hailed the NDA's decision and extended wishes to Draupadi Murmu for the presidential nomination.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah noted that the NDA’s nomination is “a reflection of the unwavering resolve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards the welfare of women and tribals.” In his congratulatory message, Shah tweeted in Hindi, “Draupadi Murmu ji has made a special identity in public life by spreading awareness about education in the tribal society and serving the public for a long time as a public representative. I am sure she will win.”
Foreign minister S Jaishankar also echoed similar sentiments saying that the nomination is a reflection of the Modi Government’s “vision of inclusive growth, development and prosperity.” Jaishankar, who also extended best wishes to Draupadi Murmu in a tweet wrote, “An inspired choice, her experience, sensitivity and spirit of service make her an ideal candidate for the office of the President of India.”
Defence minister Rajnath Singh tweeted that Droupadi Murmu “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.”
Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik congratulated the NDA presidential nominee who also hails from Odisha, said it was a “proud moment for people of the state.” In a tweet, he wrote that he was delighted when the Prime Minister discussed Murmu’s nomination and wrote: “I am sure Smt Murmu will set a shining example for women empowerment in the country.”
Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan told news agency ANI that BJP's decision to name Draupadi Murmu as the presidential candidate “is a matter of pride for the tribal community and the nation. She'll be the first tribal Presidential candidate, that too a woman.”
“As constitutional head, she will script a new history in serving the nation,” he said further. The Assam chief minister also extended his wishes and support to the former Jharkhand governor on being nominated as the Presidential candidate of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.
If elected, Murmu will become the first person from Odisha and the first tribal woman to occupy the top constitutional post. Murmu is also a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. She is the first governor of Jharkhand to complete the five-year term, since its formation in the year 2000.
Murmu was a BJP minister in the Naveen Patnaik-led Odisha cabinet when the Biju Janata Dal ruled the state with the support of the saffron party.
On the other hand, the Opposition party Congress had announced Yashwant Sinha as its joint candidate for the post.