Droupadi Murmu backed by the ruling BJP-led coalition has been elected as the new President of India, winning over 64% of the votes after the third round after which the rival contender Yashwant Sinha conceded defeat on Thursday night.
The President-elect will take oath on July 25, a day after Ramnath Kovind's tenure ends, to become the country’s first President from the Adivasi community and only second woman to hold the post.
The Prime Minister along with senior members of his Cabinet and BJP chief JP Nadda, called on Droupadi Murmu to congratulate her on her victory as celebrations broke out across the country with sweets and tribal dances.
"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," PM Modi tweeted.
Met Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji and congratulated her. pic.twitter.com/ALdJ3kWSLj
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 21, 2022
"India scripts history," PM Modi tweeted after the victory. "At a time when 1.3 billion Indians are marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a daughter of India hailing from a tribal community born in a remote part of eastern India has been elected our President. Congratulations to Droupadi Murmu ji on this feat," he added.
"Droupadi Murmu ji's life, her early struggles, her rich service and her exemplary success motivates each and every Indian. She has emerged as a ray of hope for our citizens, especially the poor, marginalised and the downtrodden," PM Modi said.
"I would like to thank all those MPs and MLAs across party lines who have supported the candidature of Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji. Her record victory augurs well for our democracy," the Prime Minister added.
President-elect Murmu started public life as a councillor in Odisha and will be written into history as India's first tribal President and the second woman in the post.
She is deeply spiritual and practices the meditation techniques of the Brahma Kumaris, a movement she embraced after she lost her husband, two sons, mother and brother in six years between 2009 and 2015, news agency PTI reported.
"I heartily congratulate Srimati Droupadi Murmu on her victory in the Presidential Election 2022. I hope — indeed, every Indian hopes — that as the 15th President of India she functions as the Custodian of the Constitution without fear or favour. I join my fellow countrymen in extending best wishes to her," read a statement from Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was the first to congratulated Droupadi Murmu even as counting for the third round was on. "The first women tribal to become President is a momentous occasion and thanks to PM Modi for giving such a unique gift. There is absolute euphoria in Assam, particularly in the tea gardens, people are very happy," he said.
Yashwant Sinha, who ran for President as the opposition's joint candidate, also congratulated President-elect Murmu after the results came out this evening.
"I join my fellow citizens in congratulating 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," Mr Sinha tweeted.
Also read: Droupadi Murmu is the new President of India
