My candidature manifests social justice, women power: Murmu
The NDA’s Presidential candidate, Draupadi Murmu on Saturday met the MPs and MLAs of the AIADMK, BJP and its allies in Tamil Nadu, saying that her candidature is a manifestation of social justice and women empowerment.
“I am a tribal leader from a remote village in Mayurbhanj district. I belong to the Santhal community. My candidature for the post of the President of India is a manifestation of social justice and women empowerment, ” she said while addressing the legislators and leaders of NDA here. Pointing out that the 75th year of Independence is an important milestone in the history of modern India, she said, “I request all to bless and support your sister and see her in the highest constitutional post of the country in the 75th year of Independence. I am happy to know that you are supporting my candidature.”
She also quoted verses of poet Kanian Poongundranar and Subramania Bharathi on women’s emancipation and called Tamil Nadu a combination of a glorious past and progress, adding she salutes the land and the people here.
Meanwhile, the leadership tussle in the AIADMK became more apparent on Saturday with former chief ministers Edappadi K Palaniswami and O Pannerselvam meeting Murmu separately on the stage to extend their party support. Palaniswami announced the party’s wholehearted support to Murmu and also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fielding her. He also criticised Chief Minister MK Stalin for failing to support a tribal candidate despite his tall claims on social justice.
Pannerselvam, along with his supporters, met Murmu after Palaniswami and his supporters left the dais. He also conveyed the AIADMK’s support to her.
PMK president Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, DMDK treasurer Premalatha Vijayakanth, TMC chief GK Vasan and Puthiya Thamizhagam’s Dr K Krishnasamy took part in the meeting.
In her first stop down south after being named the NDA’s Presidential candidate, Draupadi Murmu on Saturday met the legislators of the ruling AINRC-led coalition here and sought their support.
In a closed door meeting of the NDA constituents, which included the AIADMK which has no representation in the Assembly, Murmu addressed a joint meeting of MLAs of the ruling NDA comprising the N Rangasamy-led AINRC, the BJP and some independent members.
Murmu and Opposition’s joint candidate Yashwant Sinha are facing off in the July 18 Presidential polls.
Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy, his cabinet colleagues includiung Home Minister A Namassivayam and the ruling coalition legislators, BJP Rajya Sabha MP from the union territory, S Selvaganapthy and others participated in the meeting which lasted for nearly half an hour. Earlier, upon her arrival at the airport here, Murmu was received by the CM, Ministers and some MLAs.
The hotel where the presidential candidate addressed the MLAs was abuzz with activity.
She was presented a “poorna kumbam” honour by a group of BJP volunteers.
Although the AIADMK does not have representation in the territorial Assembly, the party’s East and West wing secretaries, A Anbalagan and Om Sakthi Sekar, however called on Murmu and extended their wishes to her on her arrival at the hotel.
The territorial Assembly has 30 elected and three nominated legislators. The ruling AINRC has ten members and BJP six while there are six independents.