New Delhi: Political leaders cutting across party lines Monday congratulated Droupadi Murmu on being sworn in as India’s 15th President. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the swearing in of Droupadi Murmu as ‘ “watershed moment’ for India, especially for the poor, marginalised and downtrodden.
The country’s first tribal to occupy the highest Constitutional position and the second woman in the post, Murmu is India’s youngest president at 64 and the first to be born after Independence,
Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu said Murmu’s election to the highest office is a testimony to the vibrancy and strength of Indian democracy. “My best wishes to her for a successful and fulfilling tenure as the First Citizen of India,” he said.
Modi also wished Murmu the best for a fruitful tenure. He said the entire nation watched with pride as she took the oath. “The entire nation watched with pride as Smt Droupadi Murmu Ji took oath as the President of India. Her assuming the Presidency is a watershed moment for India, especially for the poor, marginalised and downtrodden. I wish her the very best for a fruitful Presidential tenure,” Modi said.
“In her address after taking the oath, President Droupadi Murmu Ji gave a message of hope and compassion. She emphasised India’s accomplishments and presented a futuristic vision of the path ahead at a time when India is marking ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’,” Modi added.
BJP chief JP Nadda, senior Union ministers and Opposition leaders were among those who congratulated Murmu.
Also read: Inside Droupadi Murmu’s world: Passionate teacher, disciplinarian, vegetarian
Congratulating Murmu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah hoped that her tenure will take India’s pride to new heights.
“Many congratulations to Smt Droupadi Murmu on taking oath as the 15th President of India. I am sure that your tenure will take the pride of the country to new heights. Today’s historic day is a wonderful example of empowerment and ‘Antyodaya’ of every section following democratic values,” Shah tweeted in Hindi.
Several Opposition leaders also took to Twitter to congratulate Murmu. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin greeted Murmu and said the nation would benefit from her services.
“I am sure that the nation would stand to benefit from your services as the President of this great country and I wish you all the very best,” Stalin said in his message.
Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister P Chidambaram said it is ‘a proud moment’ in India’s history to see a lady born to a tribal family in a remote village of Odisha ascend to the office of President of India. “Congratulations and Best Wishes to Honourable Madam Droupadi Murmu,” Chidambaram said on Twitter.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar congratulated Murmu. He expressed confidence that she would remain committed to the protection of India’s democracy, constitution and law, and will make the country more proud during her tenure.