History scripted as Draupadi Murmu becomes first tribal President of India

NEW DELHI: Droupadi Murmu became the 15th President of India with a historic victory in the presidential election. Murmu won by a landslide margin with more than 64 percent of the valid votes. The 64-year-old is likely to take oath on July 25, with incumbent President Ram Nath Kovind’s tenure ending on July 24.

Returning officer P C Mody declared Murmu as the winner after the counting process that continued for more than 10 hours. Murmu got 6,76,803 votes against Sinha’s 3,80,177 votes.

Murmu’s win was ensured after the third round itself. She had a huge lead in the first two rounds. Celebrations had already begun in her native town of Rairangpur, with folk artists and tribal dancers performing on the streets.

The counting of votes started at 11 am in room number 63 of the Parliament. First the MLAs’ votes and then the MPs’ votes were counted.

Born on June 20, 1958 in Badaposi village of Odisha, Murmu belongs to Santal tribe. Murmu conquered the heights by fighting against adverse living conditions. Murmu, who is also a former governor of Jharkhand, is India’s first tribal president with a wealth of experience.

NDA candidate Draupadi Murmu was assured of victory with some opposition parties also declaring their support. The swearing-in ceremony is on Monday.