Droupadi Murmu’s journey a shining example of women empowerment, says Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik

BHUBANESWAR: BJD president and chief minister Naveen Patnaik, who was the first non-NDA leader to extend support to the candidature of NDA presidential nominee Droupadi Murmu, on Thursday said her journey to the highest constitutional position of India is a “shining example of women empowerment.”
Moments after Droupadi’s victory as the 15th President of India, Naveen took to social media to congratulate her. “Congratulate the daughter of #Odisha, Smt #DroupadiMurmu on being elected as 15th President of India. It is indeed a very proud moment for everyone in Odisha that she has been elected for the highest office in the country,” tweeted Naveen.

Her journey from a humble beginning to become the First Citizen of the country is indeed inspiring and her journey is a shining example of women empowerment. Wish her the very best for a fulfilling tenure ahead, wrote the chief minister.
Describing Droupadi as the daughter of Odisha and the pride of the state, the BJD president had earlier urged all MLAs for unanimous support to her. He had also reached to the opposition Congress and only independent MLA in the state assembly to support Droupadi’s candidacy.

Droupadi, who came here to interact with the BJD MPs and MLAs on July 8, also compared her relationship with Naveen to that of Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath saying Naveen’s support to her candidature was like a brother offering gifts to a sister. She also had lunch with the chief minister at Naveen Niwas.
The 64-year-old had earlier served as a minister during the first stint of the Naveen Patnaik when the BJD-BJP had formed the coalition government during 2000 and 04.

Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who celebrated Droupadi’s victory at her New Delhi residence, said she created history.
“I congratulate President-elect Smt. Murmu on creating history and join the nation in cherishing her victory. Empowerment, social & gender justice beyond tokenism, women-led, plural & inclusive society, Smt. Murmu’s win symbolises everything that is the spirit of #NewIndia,” tweeted Pradhan.
As an Odia, the victory of a daughter of Odisha in the #PresidentialElections2022 is also a matter of personal happiness. Belonging to the humblest of backgrounds, Smt. Droupadi Murmu’s journey from Rairangpur to the Rashtrapati Bhawan is an inspiration for all, said the Union minister.

Pradhan said Droupadi represents the hope and promise of an unstoppable India and also the inherent strengths of our vibrant democracy. Her victory today is a victory of every Indian, especially for women, tribals and our disadvantaged citizens.
Congress MLA Mohammed Moquim, who went against the party line and voted for Droupadi, said it’s a glorious day for Odisha and Odias. Stating that he had small role in her victory to the highest constitutional post.
Other leaders cutting across party lines also congratulated Droupadi on her victory.