Mixed reactions from political parties on Draupadi Murmu’s Presidential Candidature

The Bhartiya Janata Party- led National Democratic Alliance coalition government announced former Governor of Jharkhand Draupadi Murmu’s name as its Presidential candidate for the upcoming elections scheduled for July 18, 2022.

Following the announcement of her candidature, a wave of congratulations has followed from leaders across party lines.

Meanwhile, state wings of BJP, Biju Janata Dal have reacted to the decision taken by the BJP Parliamentary Board. 

Welcoming the decision, BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi  said “NDA has nominated tribal leader and social activist Draupadi Murmu as its candidate for Presidential candidate. It’s a matter of pride for 104 crore Odisha people.  We should thank our honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Parliamentary Board of BJP for picking up Draupadi as the President candidate.”  

Also, Aparajita took to tweeter to express her heartfelt gratitude and wrote, “It is a proud moment for Odisha- Madam Draupadi Murmu, a prominent tribal leader and social reformer, has been picked up as the Presidential Candidate of NDA. Grateful to Hon'ble PM @narendramodi and the BJP Parliamentary Board for deciding on her candidature. Congratulations!”

Chief whip of BJD Prashant Muduli said, “The President of India is the head of state of the Republic of India. If elected, Murmu will be the first Odia to be President of India. Every Odia is proud of it. Being an Odia, I feel proud of it.  Our leader Naveen Patnaik has always laid stress on women, development of tribal. These aspects are very much associated with Murmu. WE are really happy for it.” 

Congress MLA Mohammed Moquim said, “Being a disciplined party worker of Congress, we would abide by the party decision. Whatever will be the decision of the party head, we will obey it.”