Droupadi Murmu Becomes India's 1st Tribal Woman President; PM Congratulates
Catch all the live updates on the 2022 presidential election results here.
Indian Presidential Election Results 2022 News Live Updates: Visuals of counting of votes in room no 63 of Parliament House
(Photo: The Quint)
Counting of Votes Today
The counting of votes in the presidential election will be held on Wednesday, 20 July, to decide the winner of the race to the Rashtrapati Bhavan: the National Democratic Alliance's Droupadi Murmu or the Opposition's joint candidate Yashwant Sinha.
The counting is scheduled to begin at 11 am.
The Opposition's Pick: Yashwant Sinha
Former Union Minister Yashwant Sinha had joined the TMC last year and was later made the party's vice president. He quit the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2018.
He was declared as the Opposition's common candidate for the presidential election on 21 June, hours after he resigned from the TMC.
What works in Sinha's favour is his seniority, having been the finance minister and external affairs minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government and finance minister in the Chandra Shekhar government.
The NDA Candidate: Droupadi Murmu
If elected, Droupadi Murmu, who has served as the first woman governor of Jharkhand, will also become the first person from a tribal community to occupy the chair of the president.
Considered soft-spoken and affable, the leader has held various positions in the party, rising through the ranks, and was a minister in the state when the BJP was in alliance with the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
With her nomination, the BJP sent out a significant political message after elevating a Dalit, Ram Nath Kovind, to the top post five years back.
Was Yashwant Sinha the Wrong Choice for the Opposition?
Sinha as a candidate has some advantages but he may not have been an ideal choice.
The fact that they had to choose a former BJP leader was a tacit admission of the hegemonic power the BJP presently has in Indian politics.
And even within the BJP, Sinha was never quite a conscientious objector like a Jaswant Singh or Shanta Kumar, both of whom had spoken out against the 2002 Gujarat riots.
Read more here: Presidential Election: The Story Behind Yashwant Sinha's Struggling Campaign
How is the President of India Elected?
The President is elected by an electoral college, which comprises of elected members of:
All state legislative assemblies (including Puducherry and Delhi)
Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha
The 12 nominated members of Rajya Sabha are not allowed to vote.
In essence, 4,120 members of legislative assemblies and 776 members of parliament elect the President.
The Mechanics of the Voting
The election of the president is held in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote.
In accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote, every elector can mark as many preferences as there are candidates contesting the election.
These preferences for the candidates are to be marked by the elector, by placing the figures 1,2,3,4,5 and so on, against the names of the candidates, in the order of preference, in the space provided in column 2 of the ballot paper.
This is the reason why electronic voting machines are not used in this election as well as the vice presidential, Rajya Sabha, and legislative council polls.
'Concerned She Will Get Used by BJP': What Adivasis Say About Droupadi Murmu
Droupadi Murmu is on the cusp of becoming the first tribal woman to be the President of India. But how has her nomination by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) been received by India's tribal and adivasi leaders?
For many, it is good news, but for others she is "nothing more than a symbolic representation of the tribal people" – and "a distraction from the anti-tribal policies of the Central government".
Gladson Dungdung, a tribal activist in Jharkhand, expressed his doubt over a phone call to The Quint.
Read the full story here.
Counting of Votes to Begin Shortly
Counting of votes for Presidential elections is scheduled to begin at 11:00 am.
Counting of Votes Begins
The counting of votes in the presidential election began on Thursday.
Rairangpur Gears Up to Celebrate Presidential Poll Results
Hoardings have already come up in Rairangpur congratulating "Odisha's daughter" Droupadi Murmu on a victory that the locals believe is within the grasp of the NDA nominee even as counting is to start for the Presidential polls.
Various local organisations such as traders' bodies, bar associations, and religious and educational institutions, and even government officials are waiting with palpable enthusiasm to congratulate the "daughter of the soil".
A worker prepares sweets to be distributed to celebrate the results of Presidential Elections 2022, in Rairangpur, Wednesday, July 20, 2022.
Folk artistes and tribal dancers rehearsed their performances and are ready to hit the streets as soon as the results are declared. They are waiting with bated breath to witness the first tribal woman president of the country.
"We are preparing 20,000 laddus and have put up 100 banners congratulating Murmu, who has her house in our town," local BJP leader Tapan Mahanta said.
Several organisations have planned mass feats as people from rural areas are likely to throng Rairangpur town in Mayurbhanj district from noon.
Votes of MPs Being Counted First
Votes of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs are being counted, following which the votes from state assemblies will be counted.
.PM Modi Holds Meet With Top Ministers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with top ministers to discuss the government's strategy for the Monsoon Session og the Parliament. Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Anurag Thakur, and Kiren Rijiju were among those in attendance.
Counting of Votes Continues in Room No 63, Parliament House
Counting of votes underway at room no 63 of Parliament House.
'Whole Country Will be Proud': Rijiju
Speaking to ANI, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed confidence over Droupadi Murmu's victory.
"Not only tribals, but everyone in the country is going to have a sense of pride in having the 1st woman tribal President. I have learnt that all prominent tribal leaders will be coming to Delhi to greet the new likely to be President," he said.
Webqoof: Neither Are the Presidential Polls’ Results Out, nor Has Murmu Accepted Defeat
Webqoof: A Facebook page by the name ‘Samvaad TV’ – with around one lakh followers – shared a video regarding the 2022 Presidential elections with a caption stating that National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) candidate Droupadi Murmu accepted defeat in the elections, and the Opposition’s Yashwant Sinha had been named the new president.
However, this information is far from truth. The voting for the presidential polls took place on 18 July and the counting of the votes is still underway.
(Read the full story here.)
India’s Presidents: How 2 Constitutional Flaws Have Undermined the Post
The Presidency is vital for the Indian democracy’s functioning and survival. But over the years, the office has been abused to reward party loyalists, appoint lackeys, or select a token candidate from a minority or underprivileged community.
This debasement of the office arises from some fundamental flaws in our Constitution, and the time has come to fix them.
Read more here: India’s Presidents: How 2 Constitutional Flaws Have Undermined the Post
Counting of Ballots from States Begins
Counting of votes for presidential election began in Parliament House after sorting of ballot papers from all states.
The green-coloured ballot papers of the MPs from different states were sorted before the formal counting began. According to the alphabetical order, the ballot boxes from various states, including those from Kerala and Meghalaya, have been sorted.
Counting of votes underway to elect Indias 15th President underway at Parliament House, in New Delhi, Thursday, July 21, 2022.
Festivities Begin at Droupadi Murmu's Native Village
Celebrations are underway at Odisha's Rairangpur village, the native place of NDA's presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu, as the counting of votes for the Presidential election is underway.
School Founded by Droupadi Murmu Prepares for her Victory
Students decorated SLS Memorial residential school anticipating NDA candidate Droupadi Murmus win in the Presidential election, at Pahadpur in Rairangpur. The school was established by Murmu in the memory of her husband.
Students decorated SLS Memorial residential school in Rairangpur.
Surat School Students Anticipate Murmu's Win
School children in Surat held portraits of NDAs Presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu in anticipation of her victory.
School children in Surat held portraits of NDAs Presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu.
Counting Continues at Parliament House
Counting of votes to elect India's 15th President continues at Parliament House.
Droupadi Murmu Ahead of Yashwant Sinha, Receives 540 Votes of MPs
Speaking to the MPs, Rajya Sabha Secretary General PC Mody said that out of total 748 votes which are valid, Murmu has received 540 votes whose value is 3,78,000.
Yashwant Sinha has received 208 votes whose value is 1,45,600.
Mody said that votes of 15 MPs were declared invalid, adding that all the votes of MPs have been counted.
Eight MPs did not vote in the presidential election, Mody said.
'Nation is Set to Create History': Dharmendra Pradhan
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told ANI that the nation is set to get it first tribal President.
"Nation is going to create history. The 15th President will be officially announced shortly. Nobody has any doubt in mind. Daughter of a tribal family coming from a very ordinary house in Odisha, Droupadi Murmu will be elected as the President," he said.
Counting for 2nd Round of Votes Underway
The counting for the second round of votes of the MLAs is underway, officials said.
PM Modi to Host Farewell Dinner for President Kovind
PM Narendra Modi will host a farewell dinner for outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind 5:30 pm onwards on Friday, 22 July, at Hotel Ashoka in Delhi.
Celebrations Underway at Droupadi Murmu's Residence
Tribal artists perform in anticipation of the results of Presidential Elections 2022 favouring Draupadi Murmu, near her residence in Rairangpur, Thursday, July 21, 2022.
Tribal artists perform in anticipation of the results of Presidential Elections 2022 favouring Draupadi Murmu, near her residence in Rairangpur, Thursday, July 21, 2022.
BJP Workers Celebrate in Patna
BJP workers celebrated in Patna in anticipation of Droupadi Murmu's victor during counting of votes to elect the President of India.
Droupadi Murmu's Supporters Celebrate in Guwahati
Artists belonging to Tiwa community held pictures of NDA Presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu in Guwahati, as she leads during counting of votes to elect the 15th President.
Droupadi Murmu Leads in Second Round of Counting, Ballots Counted for 10 States
After the conclusion on counting of votes for 10 states, Droupadi Murmu's total vote count stands at 1,349 valued at 4,83,299. Yashwant Sinha gets 533 votes valued at 1,89,876.
Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jharkhand.
BJP Workers Celebrate in Ranchi
Bhartiya Janata Party workers celebrated NDAs presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu's lead during counting of votes to elect the 15th President of India.
Droupadi Murmu's Supporters Celebrate at BJP Headquarters
BJP workers and supporters celebrate NDA presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu's lead during counting of votes to elect the 15th President at the BJP headquarters in Delhi.
Maharashtra BJP Celebrates Droupadi Murmu's Lead
Maharashtra BJP President Chandrakant Patil along with people belonging to tribal community celebrated the lead of NDA candidate Droupadi Murmu as the 15th President, at the office in Mumbai.
Droupadi Murmu Crosses Halfway Mark to Take Massive Lead Over Sinha
In the third round, Droupadi Murmu got 812 votes valued at 94,478 while Yashwant Sinha got 521 votes valued at 71,186
After round three, including the first two rounds, Droupadi Murmu gets 2,161 votes valued at 5,77,777 while Yashwant Sinha got 1,058 votes valued at 2,61,06 votes.
In the third round, ballots of Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, and Punjab.
Total ballots in round 3 - 1,333 valued at 1,65,664
Total votes for Murmu in round 3- 812 votes valued at 94,478
Total votes for Sinha in round 3- 521 votes valued at 71,186
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Total ballots counted after round 3- 3,219 valued at 8,38,839
Total ballots
Yashwant Sinha Concedes Defeat
Following the third round of counting, Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha conceded defeat and congratulated Droupadi Murmu.
Rajnath Singh Congratulates Droupadi Murmu
'She Will Be an Outstanding President': PM Modi
After meeting Droupadi Murmu in Delhi to congratulate her, PM Modi took to Twitter to say: "Smt Droupadi Murmu Ji has been an outstanding MLA and Minister. She had an excellent tenure as Jharkhand Governor. I am certain she will be an outstanding President who will lead from the front and strengthen India's development journey."
President Kovind Congratulates Droupadi Murmu
President Ram Nath Kovind took to Twitter to congratulate Droupadi Murmu.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Congratulates Murmu
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla took to Twitter to congratulate Droupadi Murmu.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal Congratulates Murmu
Union Minister Piyush Goyal took to Twitter to congratulate Droupadi Murmu.
"Droupadi Murmu ji's historic win represents the vibrancy of our democracy. It is an unmatched tribute to grassroot service & people's power. Antyodaya gets a pride of place at Rashtrapati Bhavan," he said.
Sharad Pawar Congratulates Droupadi Murmu
NCP Chief Sharad Pawar took to Twitter to congratulate Droupadi Murmu.
"Heartfelt congratulations Smt Droupadi Murmu on being elected as the President of India. My best wishes to you as you prepare to take up the responsibilities and charge of your esteemed office. Wishing you success in your tenure as President," Pawar tweeted.
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu Congratulates Murmu
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu took to Twitter to congratulate Droupadi Murmu.
"Heartiest congratulations to Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji on being elected as the 15th President of India! Her wide experience in public life, spirit of selfless service and deep understanding of people's issues will greatly benefit the nation. My best wishes for a successful tenure!" he said.
Arvind Kejriwal Extends Wishes to Murmu
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal took to Twitter to congratulate Droupadi Murmu.
'Golden Moment for the Country': JP Nadda
Taking to Twitter, BJP chief JP Nadda said: "Hearty congratulations to Draupadi Murmu ji on being elected as the 15th President of the country. A woman from a tribal community becoming the President of India is a golden moment for the country, I am sure that the nation will get immense benefits from your experience and efficiency in administrative and social work."
'Reached Highest Position Fighting All Odds': Home Minister Amit Shah
Taking to Twitter, Home Minister Amit Shah said that Droupadi Murmu had reached the highest office of the country fighting all odds.
"Draupadi Murmu ji has reached this highest office of the country today after fighting all odds. It shows the immense power of our democracy. Even after so many struggles, the selfless spirit with which she devoted herself to the service of the country and society is inspiring for all," he said.
Shah also met Murmu in Delhi to congratulate her.
'Statement of Authentic and Inclusive India': Foreign Minister
Union Minister Dr S Jaishankar took to Twitter to say that Droupadi Murmu's victory is a statement of "authentic and inclusive India."
Mamata Banerjee Congratulates Droupadi Murmu
TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee took to Twitter to congratulate Droupadi Murmu.
"The country will sincerely look up to you as the Head of State to protect the ideals of our Constitution & be the custodian of our democracy, especially when nation is plagued with so many dissensions," she said.
BSP Supremo Mayawati Congratulates Murmu
BSP chief Mayawati tweeted to say: "Hearty congratulations and many best wishes to Draupadi Murmu, a woman of the exploited and very backward tribal society, on being elected today with huge votes in the election for the post of President of the country. She will prove to be an efficient and successful President, such a country hopes."
Voting Concluded, Droupadi Murmu Gets 2,824 Votes Valued at 6,76,803
Droupadi Murmu emerged victorious as counting of votes concluded on Thursday, Rajya Sabha General Secretary PC Mody said.
While Droupadi Murmu secured 2,824 first preference votes, valued at 6,76,803, Yashwant Sinha secured 1,877 first preference votes, valued at 3,80,177.
Several Leaders Beeline to Meet Murmu
Several leaders and union ministers greet Murmu outside her residence in Delhi.
Rajya Sabha Secretary General Hands Over Certificate to Murmu
Secretary General of Rajya Sabha and the Returning Officer for Presidential Election 2022, PC Mody handed over the certificate to President-elect Droupadi Murmu at her residence in Delhi.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Meets Murmu
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla visited the residence of President-elect Droupadi Murmu in Delhi.
Rajnath Singh Meets Droupadi Murmu
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met President-elect Droupadi Murmu at her residence.
Indian Presidential Election Results 2022 News Live Updates: Scripting history, National Democratic Alliance candidate Droupadi Murmu emerged victorious as counting of votes for the office if the President of India concluded on Thursday, 21 July.
While President-elect Droupadi Murmu secured 2,824 first preference votes, valued at 6,76,803, Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha secured 1,877 first preference votes, valued at 3,80,177.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief JP Nadda met Murmu in Delhi to congratulate her soon after the third round of counting sealed her victory.
Sinha took to Twitter to concede defeat and said: "I join my fellow citizens in congratulating Smt Droupadi Murmu on her victory in the Presidential Election 2022. India hopes that as the 15th President of the Republic she functions as the Custodian of the Constitution without fear or favour (sic)."
Following her victory, celebrations kicked in across the country, including Odisha's Rairangpur, Murmu's hometown. Scores of citizens and political leaders across party lines extended their wishes to Murmu on scripting history to become the first person from the Scheduled Tribes community to become the 15th President of India, and only the second woman to get elected to the post.
In the first round, Murmu received 72.19 percent of the total valid votes of MPs, while Sinha received 27.81 percent of the total valid votes
Droupadi Murmu secured 64 percent of the total valid votes to emerge victorious
Several Union Ministers and BJP leaders congratulated Murmu on her victory
Murmu will take oath on 25 July, a day after sitting president Ram Nath Kovind's tenure ends
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP National President JP Nadda with NDA Presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu, who is set to be the first tribal woman President of India, in New Delhi.
President-elect Droupadi Murmu celebrates with her daughter Itishri Murmu, in New Delhi, Thursday, July 21, 2022. Murmu is set to be first tribal woman President of India.
BJP National President JP Nadda with NDA Presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu, who is set to be the first tribal woman President of India, in New Delhi.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah with NDA Presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu, who is set to be the first tribal woman President of India, in New Delhi.
BJP workers and supporters celebrate NDAs presidential candidate Droupadi Murmus lead during counting of votes to elect the 15th President, in Jaipur, Thursday, July 21, 2022.
Counting of votes underway to elect Indias 15th President underway at Parliament House, in New Delhi, Thursday, July 21, 2022.
Counting of votes to elect Indias 15th President underway at Parliament House, in New Delhi, Thursday, July 21, 2022.
Picture from outside room no 63 of the Parliament House where the counting of votes is taking place, Thursday, 21 July.
School children in Surat held portraits of NDAs Presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu, Thursday, 21 July.
Students decorated SLS Memorial residential school in Rairangpur, founded by Droupadi Murmu, Thursday, 21 July.
Tribal artists perform in anticipation of the results of Presidential Elections 2022 favouring Draupadi Murmu, near her residence in Rairangpur.
A worker prepares sweets to be distributed to celebrate the results of Presidential Elections 2022, in Rairangpur, Thursday, 21 July.
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