President Election Results 2022: Droupadi Murmu set to become first tribal President

"It's a big achievement for a tribal woman to get elected as the President of the country. All tribal MPs and ministers came here to congratulate Droupadi Murmu and expressed their happiness. I thank PM Modi as because of his thoughts and efforts, this happened," Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said.

 Secretary General of Rajya Sabha and the Returning Officer for Presidential Election 2022, PC Mody has handed over the certificate to President-elect Droupadi Murmu.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday congratulated President-elect Droupadi Murmu.

"It's a historic and proud moment for the Indian women community as well as the tribal community. This moment is a moment of happiness and pride for all of us," Maharashtra CMO said.

While President-elect Droupadi Murmu got a vote in all states, Opposition's Presidential candidate Yashwant Sinha drew a blank in three states- Andhra Pradesh, Nagaland and Sikkim.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik congratulated Droupadi Murmu on Thursday for emerging victorious in the presidential poll, saying it was a very proud moment for everyone in the state.

Patnaik said Murmu's journey from a humble beginning to becoming the first citizen of the country was an inspiring and a shining example of women's empowerment.

"Congratulate the daughter of #Odisha, Smt #DroupadiMurmu on being elected as 15th President of India," Patnaik tweeted.

"It is indeed a very proud moment for everyone in Odisha that she has been elected for the highest office in the country," he said.

The chief minister wished her the very best for a "fulfilling tenure" ahead.
 

"It's a historic moment. The country is celebrating Droupadi Murmu's victory like a festival. A tribal woman is President-elect now, it's an achievement of its own. I congratulate PM Modi for nominating her as NDA's Presidential candidate," Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said.

Droupadi Murmu is officially elected to the office of President of India. She got 64% of the votes of value 6,76,803 in the presidential poll against Yashwant Sinha's 36% of value 3,80,177.

National Democratic Alliance's Presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu has been officially elected to the office of the President of India. She will take oath on July 25.

"In my capacity as Returning Officer, I declare that Droupadi Murmu has been duly elected to the office of the President of India," Rajya Sabha Secretary General PC Mody said.

"Today will be a day to be written in gold in the country's history. I extend my heartiest congrats to Droupadi Murmu. PM Modi has uplifted the country and our tribal communities. Every section of the country feels the presence of inclusivity and opportunities," Union Minister Piyush Goyal said.

Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Leader of Opposition N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday congratulated Droupadi Murmu on her resounding victory in the presidential election.

The Governor, who also hails from Odisha, in a message said, I congratulate Droupadi Murmu, the first tribal woman who has been elected as the 15th President of India. I have known Murmu for a long time. She is a dedicated leader who worked for the welfare of tribal people. 
 

Following the announcement of the results of the recent election, His Holiness the Dalai Lama congratulated Droupadi Murmu on being elected President of India.

Dalai Lama expressed confidence that the new President will do whatever she can to consolidate India’s strengths and provide a lead in working to develop a more peaceful world, inspired by the treasures of India’s ancient wisdom. 

EAM Dr S Jaishankar tweets that NDA's Presidential candidate "Droupadi Murmu’s election as the 15th President is a statement of an authentic and inclusive India."

Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday personally met and greeted Droupadi Murmu as she is set to become the 15th President of India.

"Hearty congratulations to Draupadi Murmu ji on being elected as the 15th President of the country. Reaching the presidency for a woman from a tribal society is a golden moment for the country, I am sure that the nation will get immense benefits from your experience and efficiency in administrative and social work," BJP chief JP Nadda tweeted in Hindi.

Congratulating Droupadi Murmu on her historic win, Home Minister Amit Shah said that Murmu reached this highest position in the country today after fighting against odd circumstances which shows the immense power of our democracy.

"Even after so many struggles, the selfless spirit with which he devoted himself in the service of the country and society is inspiring for all," he added.

Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla extended hearty congratulations to Draupadi Murmu on being elected as the President of India.

"Your role in giving voice to the hopes & aspirations of people is exemplary. I hope under your able guidance, people of our country will make a leading contribution in building a New India," he added.

Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi congratulates Droupadi Murmu on being elected as the 15th President of India.

"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 said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday greeted and congratulated Droupadi Murmu on being elected as the new President of the country. BJP national president JP Nadda is also present.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar extended heartfelt congratulations to Droupadi Murmu on being elected as the President of India.

"My best wishes to you as you prepare to take up the responsibilities and charge of your esteemed office. Wishing you success in your tenure as President," Pawar said.

Celebrations erupted across the country as National Democratic Alliance candidate Droupadi Murmu won the Presidential election.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to meet NDA's presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu shortly. Murmu on Thursday crossed the 50 per cent mark after the third round of counting to emerge victorious in the poll over her rival Yashwant Sinha.

"Congratulations to Draupadi Murmu ji for registering an effective victory in the Presidential election. She has been active in public welfare in villages, poor, underprivileged as well as in slums. Today she has risen from among them to the highest constitutional position. This is a proof of the strength of Indian democracy," Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted.

Droupadi Murmu gets 812 votes and Yashwant Sinha gets 521 in round 3 of voting. NDA Presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu has crossed the 50% mark of total valid votes at the end of the third round of counting. She is set to become the President of the country.

As the declaration of results of the presidential poll neared, the Brahma Kumaris on Thursday recalled the organisation's long association with Droupadi Murmu and how her life has been "full of difficulties".

Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya administrative head Dadi Ratan Mohini in a statement said Murmu's expected elevation to the post of President will further strengthen women empowerment.

Murmu has been associated with the spiritual organisation, headquartered at Abu Road in Rajasthan's Sirohi district, since 2009.

"Murmu's life has been full of difficulties. She was terribly broken when her eldest son died. After this, she went to our centre at Rairangpur in Odisha. At that time, she was in a state of deep depression. She used to cry a lot," B K Komal, a spokesperson of the organisation, told PTI.

"For almost two months, she was given special care. When she started doing the Rajyoga meditation, she started becoming normal. Regular practice led to a positive change in her life," he said.

"She has faced many ups and downs in her life but due to spiritual power, she faced it all," he added.

Dadi Ratan Mohini said it is matter of great happiness that a person with "outstanding thoughts, vision, routine, spiritual lifestyle and a noble character is going to be the nation's head".

"This will strengthen women empowerment in the country," she said.

(PTI)

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma asserted that NDA presidential nominee Droupadi Murmu is going to win by a huge margin. "India is going to get its first-ever tribal woman as its President. This is a historic moment for the people of India," he said.

Of the total votes counted so far, NDA's Droupadi Murmu got 71.79 per cent votes in the presidential elections. She is fielded against Opposition's Yashwant Sinha.

Celebrations began at Bharatiya Janata Party's Office in Jammu as NDA candidate Droupadi Murmu has taken a huge lead against Opposition's Yashwant Sinha in presidential elections.

NDA presidential candidate Droupadi gets the big lead in the second round of counting. Murmu gets 1349 votes having a total vote value of 4,83,299 and Yashwant Sinha secures 537 votes having a total value of 1,89,876.  Counting has been completed in 10 states, including Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Haryana.

"After the second round, where ballot paper of first 10 states alphabetically counted - total valid votes 1138 and their total value 1,49,575. Out of this, Droupadi Murmu gets 809 votes valued at 1,05,299 and Yashwant Sinha gets 329 votes valued at 44,276," Rajya Sabha Secretary General PC Mody said.

As NDA presidential nominee Droupadi Murmu is set to win, BJP chief JP Nadda is likely to hold a meeting of party leaders, including its chief ministers from different states, on Sunday ahead of the oath-taking ceremony on July 25, sources said. 

A briefing related to the second round of counting will take place in next 15 minutes. In the first round, NDA's presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu is leading with 540 of the 748 votes of the MPs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and some senior members of his cabinet and BJP chief JP Nadda are likely to meet NDA presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu after her expected win.

According to the latest inputs, the counting of seven states- Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Gujarat and Haryana -has been completed.

NDA's presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu is leading with 540 of the 748 votes of the MPs. The counting of votes of MLAs is underway.

Celebrations began at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters in New Delhi as NDA candidate Droupadi Murmu is leading with a huge margin in the Presidential elections.

Celebrations broke out outside NDA Presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu's residence in New Delhi following her mega lead in the first round of vote-counting in the Presidential elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to host a farewell dinner for outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday 5:30 pm onwards at Hotel Ashoka in Delhi.

"Immense joy amid the deprived section of society, tribals, women &eastern India that for the first time the true meaning of democracy is coming to the fore. A leader from such a background will reach the nation's highest post. It's an achievement for democracy," Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said Droupadi Murmu surges ahead of Opposition's Yashwant Sinha.

"The nation is going to create history. The 15th President will be officially announced shortly. Nobody has any doubt in mind. Daughter of a tribal family coming from a very ordinary house in Odisha, Droupadi Murmu will be elected as the President," Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as Droupadi Murmu takes huge lead over Opposition's Yashwant Sinha.

Rajya Sabha general secretary PC Mody announced that the counting of votes of MPs has concluded. He stated that the votes cast by 15 MPs were held invalid. While Droupadi Murmu received the votes of 540 MPs, Yashwant Sinha bagged the votes of only 208 parliamentarians. Thus, Murmu received a total of 3,78,000 votes as compared to Sinha's 1,45,600 votes. 

Celebrations begin at SLS (Shyam, Laxman & Sipun) Memorial Residential School, Pahadpur, founded by NDA's presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu in memory of her husband and 2 sons after their demise.

At present, the counting of MP votes' is underway in Parliament. It will be followed by state votes' counting.

Celebrations commenced at Odisha's Rairangpur village, the native place of NDA's presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu.

As per sources, NDA's presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu is leading over Yashwant Sinha as per the initial trends. 

NDA's Presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu's native town in Odisha is in a celebratory mood, confident of her win in the elections.

As per sources, PM Modi will meet NDA's presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu after the declaration of the election results.

The opposition's presidential candidate Yashwant Sinha opined, "I strongly condemn the attitude of ED to humiliate political leaders. The officers of ED shd have gone to her residence even if they had questions to ask of Sonia Gandhi. For those who are ignorant let me state that in the infamous Hawala case of 1995 the CBI had gone to the houses of those named in their FIR to ask questions.

Counting of votes for the Presidential election is underway in Parliament.

"This will be a historic victory. For the first time after Independence, a tribal woman will occupy the President's post. I believe what the opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha said about voting based on conscience. So today, it will be uncovered that many votes were cast based on conscience," Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra said.

Various local organizations such as traders' bodies, bar associations, and religious and educational institutions, and even government officials are waiting with palpable enthusiasm to congratulate the "daughter of the soil". Folk artists and tribal dancers rehearsed their performances and are ready to hit the streets as soon as the results are declared. They are waiting with bated breath to witness the first tribal woman president of the country. "We are preparing 20,000 laddus and have put up 100 banners congratulating Murmu, who has her house in our town," local BJP leader Tapan Mahanta said.

A mega "Abhinandan Yatra" to be led by BJP chief J P Nadda and attended by thousands of leaders and workers has been planned by the party after counting of votes for the presidential poll, on Thursday evening, Delhi BJP leaders said. The party also plans to celebrate an anticipated "landmark victory" of NDA's nominee Droupadi Murmu, the first tribal to be elected on the post of President of India, across the country, particularly in tribal pockets, sources said.

The roadshow is scheduled to start from Delhi BJP office on Pant Marg to celebrate an almost certain victory of Murmu in the presidential election, party leaders said. The roadshow will conclude at Rajpath after passing through Ashoka Road, Patel Chowk and Rafi Marg. Apart from BJP president Nadda, a large number of party leaders and workers from Delhi and other parts of the country will participate in it, said a senior Delhi BJP functionary.

Speaking to the media on the likelihood of Droupadi Murmu becoming the next President of India, Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said, "It is not only the tribals. But everyone in the country is having a sense of pride in the likelihood of having the first woman tribal president of the country. All the prominent tribal leaders and tribal folk artists are coming to Delhi. I have a lot of information from the tribal community that they want to come to Delhi to meet the likely-to-be President. So, we are very excited." 

The counting of votes for the Presidential election has commenced in the Parliament. NDA's Draupadi Murmu and joint opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha are in the fray. 

Ahead of the commencement of the counting of votes for the presidential election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with top ministers to discuss the government's strategy in Parliament. Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Anurag Thakur, Kiren Rijiju were amongst those present in the meeting. 

As the vote counting for the Presidential Elections in India is all set to begin at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, a wave of happiness, as well as excitement, is already in the air of Rairangpur town in Odisha, which is the hometown of NDA's presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu. 

Sharing his happiness over the same, Tarinisen Tudu, the brother of Murmu spoke to ANI and expressed his hopes that she will be appointed as the next President of India. "There is an atmosphere of happiness here as we're hopeful that Droupadi Murmu will become the next President of India. It's a matter of pride for the tribal community, Odisha, and the entire country", he said. 

When the casting of votes for the Presidential Elections was underway, UPA's Candidate Yashwant Sinha raised 'horse-trading' allegations and claimed that government agencies were actively involved in the process. Urging the electoral college to vote for him, Yashwant Sinha remarked that the Presidential Elections will be a decider on whether democracy in India will prevail or not.

"I am not just fighting a political fight but a fight against government agencies too. They have become too powerful. They are breaking up parties, forcing people to vote for them. There is also a game of money involved," he alleged.

Preparations for the counting of votes for the Presidential election are underway.

Speaking to the media, Naba Charan Majhi- the BJP MLA from Rairangpur, Droupadi Murmu's native place exuded confidence that history will be made today. Highlighting that India hasn't seen any Tribal president since Independence, he mentioned that the villagers are very happy. Noting that she is standing here because of her struggle, he stated that the celebrations will continue till July 25. 

In the run-up to the Presidential election, the Congress party insulted Droupadi Murmu by calling her a "puppet", saying that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wants to elect a "weak President". Speaking to Republic at Vidhan Soudha in Karnataka's Bengaluru, Congress MLA MB Patil said that in comparison to the opposition's presidential candidate Yashwant Sinha, NDA's candidate Murmu is weak. He also stated that the BJP wants to have a weak President and that's why the saffron party never allowed Lal Krishna Advani to become the President of India.

The counting will take place in room no.63 in parliament house and the result will be declared immediately after the counting. The immediate precincts of room number 63 have been declared as sanitised and "Silent zone". Only counting officers, officials deployed to assist the Rajya Sabha secretary general, candidates and one authorized representative of each candidate, observers appointed by the election commission and media persons with valid passes will be allowed entry into the counting hall. Rajya Sabha secretary general PC Mody is the returning officer for the presidential election.

The people of Rairangpur, the native place of Droupadi Murmu has planned a victory procession and tribal dance on Thursday. Speaking to the media, Indrajeet- a student of the Government Upper Primary School where she studied said, "I am feeling proud that she studied at this school. We too want to make it big when we grow up". 

Triggering a row on July 16, RJD leader and Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav had said, "We don't want a statue in the Rashtrapati Bhavan. This is the election for the President's post. You must have heard Yashwant Sinha speak everywhere. But I have never heard the ruling party's candidate speak. She has not given even a single press conference till now."

Locals in Rairangpur prepare laddu ahead of the counting of votes for the Presidential election.

Speaking to the media, Droupadi Murmu's teacher Bisweswar Mohanty said, "I feel very proud. She was a brilliant student. I remember once students were asked what they want to be in future. Students mentioned different professions but she said that she wants to serve people. Today I can relate with it."

Students of the school in which Drouapdo Murmu studied -Tanushree, Indrajeet and Smriti told the media, "She studied in this school and is now going to be the President of this country. We are very happy and very proud. She is an inspiration. We too want to make it big when we grow up."

Relatives of NDA's Presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu recollect her childhood. Here are visuals from her paternal house in Uperbeda village.

As voting for the Presidential elections concluded, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee filed a complaint with the Election Commission against NDA's presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu. Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president DK Shivakumar wrote a letter to the Election Commission of India, demanding action against Murmu for allegedly violating the country's election law. 

In its letter, the Congress alleged that a day before the election, all Karnataka BJP ministers and senior leaders joined together and stayed at a 5-star hotel, where they were provided with luxurious food items and beverages under the guise of a training session. The Congress claimed that all these arrangements were made on behalf of Draupadi Murmu to get votes in her favour in the presidential elections and demanded that all votes cast by the BJP MLAs in favour of Droupadi Murmu be considered invalid.

At the end of the counting of votes which will begin at 11 am — the nation would know who would succeed incumbent Ram Nath Kovind to become the country’s 15th President. As Kovind’s tenure is ending on July 24, the new president will take oath on July 25. With ballot boxes from all states having reached the Parliament House, poll officials are ready for the counting in room number 63, the strongroom of Parliament, where the boxes are guarded behind round-the-clock security.

Rajya Sabha Secretary General P C Mody, who is the Chief Returning Officer for the poll, will oversee the counting Thursday, the result of which is likely to be declared by the evening. All ballot boxes from state assemblies had reached the Parliament’s strongroom on Tuesday evening and have been locked there since. 

As the total value of votes of the electors is 10,86,431, the winner needs to bag at least 5,43,216 votes. When Droupadi Murmu was announced as the candidate, BJP and its allies constituted 48% of the electoral college implying that they required the support of a few more parties to sail through. However, she is set to get over 60% of the total votes in the presidential election after receiving the backing of opposition parties such as BJD, YSRCP, TDP, JD(S), Shiv Sena, JMM and BSP.

As voting concluded, several MLAs claim to have cross-voted in the presidential election. This includes SP MLA Shivpal Yadav, Haryana Congress MLA Kuldeep Bishnoi, Assam Congress MLA Mohammed Moquim, Gujarat NCP MLA Kandhal Jadeja and Assam NCP MLA Kamlesh Singh. Moreover, AIUDF MLA Karimuddin Barbhuyan claimed that 20 Assam Congress MLAs will also vote in favour of Droupadi Murmu. On the other hand, SAD MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali abstained from voting despite BJP declaring its support for Murmu. 

As the term of President Ram Nath Kovind is ending on July 24, an election to fill this impending vacancy was held on July 18. Over 99% of the Electoral College comprising 771 MPs and 4025 MLAs cast their vote in the election through a secret ballot. While 100% voting was reported from MLAs in Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Puducherry, Sikkim and Tamil Nadu, 8 MPs including BJP's Sunny Deol did not cast their vote. The nominated MPs and MLCs of various states were not eligible to participate in this election.

The total value of the votes of electors is 10,86,431. BJP-turned-TMC leader Yashwant Sinha was named as the joint opposition candidate on June 21 after NCP chief Sharad Pawar, NC president Farooq Abdullah and Gopalkrishna Gandhi backed out. On the same day, BJP President JP Nadda revealed that former Jharkhand Governor Droupadi Murmu will face off with Sinha. A former Odisha MLA and Minister, Murmu will become the first Tribal president of India if she wins the poll. 

Born on June 20, 1958, to Late Biranchi Narayan Tudu, in one of the most remote and underdeveloped districts of Odisha, Draupadi Murmu had a troubled childhood. Despite that, Murmu completed her education and kickstarted her professional career by serving as an Honorary Assistant teacher in Shri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre, Rairangpur, without a salary, from 1994-1997. In 1997, Murmu's stint in the political sphere began with her victory as a Councilor. Murmu was appointed the Vice-chairman of the Rairangpu National Advisory Council.

Murmu was elected as an MLA on a Bharatiya Janata Party ticket twice from the Rairangpur constituency, in 2000 and 2009. In 2007, she was awarded the 'Nilakanth Award for The Best MLA of the year 2007' by the Legislative Assembly of Odisha. During the  Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and BJP coalition government in Odisha, Murmu served as a minister in the Commerce and Transport department and subsequently in the Fisheries and Animal Resources department between 2000 and 2004. Murmu was sworn in as the first woman Governor of Jharkhand in the year 2015 and held the position till 2021.

Yashwant Sinha is a former Union Minister who recently exited the West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee-led TMC. Before being a TMC member, Sinha represented the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the most part of his political career and was considered a veteran leader of the saffron party. The 84-year-old is a former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, who began his services in 1960 and resigned in 1984 to kickstart his political career.

In the same year, he joined the Janata Party and later became a member of the BJP starting in 1992. During his association with BJP, Sinha served as the Minister of Finance and Foreign Minister under the leadership of then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. However, his relations with the BJP turned sour and he split from the saffron party in April 2018. Ever since the beginning, he has been a staunch critic of the Narendra Modi government, which was a major factor in his exit from the party.

Three years later, in March 2021, Sinha became a member of TMC and was soon appointed as the party's national Vice President. Notably, the former Indian Administrator's politician son, Jayant Sinha is a member of Lok Sabha for the BJP and has served as a Union Minister under the Modi government's first term. Yashwant Sinha was selected as the fourth option for the Presidential candidate after Jammu & Kashmir National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah, Nationalist Congress Party's Sharad Pawar and former West Bengal governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi opted out of the Presidential race. While