Murmu in Delhi: meets PM, Shah ahead of filing nomination papers
New Delhi: NDA’s pick for president Droupadi Murmu met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah on Thursday, a day of hectic activity for the tribal leader who flew in from Bhubaneswar in the morning ahead of filing her nomination papers for the post.
The 64-year-old former Jharkhand governor, who has been the cynosure of attention since she was chosen for the post by the BJP-led NDA earlier this week, is expected to file her papers on Friday in the presence of top leaders, including from the BJD.
Modi is tipped to be the first proposer. A host of senior BJP leaders, including Union ministers and functionaries from other parties supporting her bid, are also set to be among the proposers.
Her nomination papers were being prepared at the home of Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi.
Modi said her candidature for the post of president has been appreciated across India by all sections of society.
In a tweet, Modi said, “Met Droupadi Murmu Ji. Her Presidential nomination has been appreciated across India by all sections of society. Her understanding of grassroots problems and vision for India’s development is outstanding.”
“Met NDA’s presidential candidate Draupadi Murmu and conveyed best wishes to her. Tribal society is feeling very proud by the announcement of her name. I am sure her administrative and public experience will benefit the whole country,” Shah tweeted in Hindi.
Murmu, who also called on Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu today, will meet a host of senior leaders before embarking on a nationwide campaign, urging different political parties to support her bid.
If elected, a strong possibility given that she already has the support of a majority in the electoral college, she will be the first tribal person to be the president of India and the second woman in the post.
The Opposition has fielded former Union minister Yashwant Sinha as its joint candidate for the post.
