Draupadi Murmu, an Odisha-based Santhal, as its nominee for the highest constitutional position, India may ultimately elect its first tribal president. After the legislative board of the party endorsed what is widely seen as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pick for Rashtrapati Bhavan, BJP leader JP Nadda announced Murmu’s candidacy.
Draupadi Murmu Biography
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Key Points:
- If elected, Murmu will become the second woman to hold the office of President following UPA supporter Pratibha Patil (2007–12).
- Murmu is the front-runner to succeed incumbent Ramnath Kovind, a Dalit from UP, in Rashtrapati Bhavan after the July 18 elections, as the BJP-led NDA is confident in making up the shortfall with the help of regional players like BJD’s Naveen Patnaik and YSRCP’s Jagan Mohan Reddy — the chief ministers of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, respectively.
About Draupadi Murmu Candidature:
- Additionally, BJP officials are hoping to win over the AIADMK. Given the tense relations with senior JD(U) leader and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, Nadda’s claim that all NDA allies had been contacted over Murmu’s candidacy is crucial.
- Murmu checks many political boxes for the BJP as a candidate. The party’s message regarding the PM’s sympathy for tribals, Dalits, and women is expected to be amplified by her candidacy and the likely promotion.
- In addition, the party has been eager to expand on its successes in Odisha and the tribal areas of West Bengal.