Expressing his happiness over the nomination of Droupadi Murmu as the presidential candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday, 22 June said it was a proud moment for the people of his state.
The Odisha CM also urged the state's MLAs to extend "unanimous support" to Droupadi Murmu. "Appeal all the members of Odisha Legislative Assembly, cutting across party lines, to extend unanimous support to elect the daughter of Odisha, Smt Draupadi Murmu, to the country’s highest office," he tweeted.
Murmu (64), a former Jharkhand governor, will be the first tribal woman to occupy the top constitutional post if she is elected, a strong possibility as numbers are stacked in favour of the NDA.
'She Will Be A Great President': PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed confidence that Murmu will be a "great President" and said the former Jharkhand governor's understanding of policy matters and compassionate nature will greatly benefit the country.
'Matter of Great Happiness': Nitish Kumar
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar also welcomed Murmu's candidature and expressed gratitude towards the Prime Minister for the decision.
"It is a pleasure to have Mrs Draupadi Murmu ji as the presidential candidate. She is a tribal woman and it is a matter of great happiness that a tribal woman has been nominated for the highest post in the country," Kumar wrote in his tweet.
Speculations had earlier said that Nitish Kumar may be chosen as the presidential poll.
'Will Take Tribal Pride to Great Heights': Amit Shah
Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday hailed the decision to nominate Murmu and said the move will work to take tribal pride to new heights.
In a series of tweets in Hindi, Shah said the announcement of Murmu's candidature for president is a reflection of the unwavering resolve of Modi for the welfare of women and tribals.
Shah said Murmu 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.
'An Inspired Choice': S Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also extended his best wishes to Murmu, saying that it was an inspired choice, owing to "her experience, sensitivity and spirit of service."
'Proof of Commitment': Yogi Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday congratulated Droupadi Murmu after she was named as the ruling NDA's candidate for the presidential election.
"Heartiest congratulations to former governor of Jharkhand, Droupadi Murmu ji, on being made the NDA candidate for the post of President. The selection of Murmu ji, who hails from the tribal society, is a strong proof of commitment towards 'Sabka Saath-Sabka Vikas' in 'New India'," he said in a tweet in Hindi.
'Honour to Announce her as the Presidentia Candidate': J P Nadda
BJP President JP Nadda said Murmu would make a great president, with her "rich administrative experience, her great history of selfless social service and relentless zeal to work for the upliftment of society."
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)