The Right Choice

Given the support NDA Presidential candidate is getting, Bharat is set to have its first tribal President post-Independence. This is a huge recognition and tribute to Bharat’s tribal communities, which have over the centuries played a key role in country’s progress. Tribals constitute almost 9 per cent of the Indian population. Yet, no one from this community spread across all States, had been bestowed the honour of occupying India’s highest office.

Draupadi Murumu’s ascent to the Presidential office is not symbolic. She has been part of active politics for more than 25 years. She started her political career with village politics, then served as a councillor and was later elected as a Member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly from Rairangpur constituency. Murmu was also a minister of the Odisha Government, apart from playing key roles in the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Her journey is that of fortitude, courage and breaking glass ceilings. She represents the aspirational class of Indians, who despite having no background in their chosen field of work, work hard, fight all the odds and rise high only due to merit and personal conviction. She embodies the true Indian spirit of perseverance and humility, continuing to work for social changes and improvements, backed by nothing else but her dedication for the job. The Modi government has set a precedent already in recognising scores of such accomplished and steadfast Indians in the last few years through the Padma awards. But Murmu’s nomination for the post of the President is yet another leap forward on top of all the efforts that the government has put in to bring out the accomplishment of common Indians.

Looking back at India’s tribal history, the one glaring anomaly which is there to be seen by anyone who wishes to objectively analyse is the utter lack of recognition meted out to tribal icons. From Bhagwan Birsa Munda to Alluri Sitarama Raju, young, nationalist voices who died for the country were hardly recognised around India until the Modi government took office. This government ensured that the contributions of the tribal community were not just acknowledged but also given the right place in the annals of history. As a result, PM Narendra Modi declared 15th November as Janjati Gaurav Divas on account of birth of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Every year week long celebration will be held to celebrate tribal heroes and culture. Draupadi Murmu becoming India’s next President is just a natural culmination of this process which the Modi government has instituted. A school teacher, state government employee and a grassroots politician becoming the President of India will also be the true compliment to Indian democracy. Our system of governance need not be hijacked only by those who undertake politics of dynasties and privileges. Our democracy was always meant to serve the last person in the queue, to further the principle of antyodaya. When Murmu takes oath to the office of the President, it will also be a fitting tribute to this sentiment.

In contrast, the opposition has chosen to put its heft behind an establishment politician who has been an epitome of political opportunism. Two individuals, both coming from eastern India, could not have been as different in their merit, capability and personal journeys as the two Presidential candidates are. That Murmu will win this non-contest is not just the foregone conclusion but also the right result for the country and for the foundations of Indian democracy.

In fact, the opposition should have wholeheartedly supported Murmu’s candidature in this election rather than trying to foist a has-been candidate on the country. Political parties around the country pay lip service to the ideas of social justice, inclusiveness and gender equality. These self-professed liberal parties, which in reality are family-owned private enterprises run by elites detesting the rise of common Indians, abjectly failed to translate their words into actions when they refused to back Murmu. The Bharatiya Janata Party on the other hand has demonstrated that its style of work is by doing the right things. The Bharatiya Janata Party is not fighting a war of empty rhetoric and shallow words, but rather leads the country’s future as well as the public narrative by concrete action.

When Murmu’s candidature was announced, she visited her local temple and cleaned the temple premises while seeking the blessing of Bhagwan Jagannath, Shiva and Hanuman. Her actions embody the true tribal spirit of India—rooted, devoted, humble and focused.

Draupadi Murmu will soon be India’s fifteenth President—only the second woman and the first tribal to rise to this post. Her win will be a win for India’s ethos, diversity and tenacity. Her win will be a win for Bharatiya Janata Party’s relentless efforts towards building a strong India on the foundations of the forte and virtuosity of every Indian.