Festive Mood Grips Presidential Candidate Droupadi Murmu’s Home Town Rairangpur In Odisha’s Mayurbhanj Dist

Baripada: As NDA’s Presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu filed nomination papers in New Delhi, the people in Rairangpur of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj, her home district, came out on the streets for celebration on Friday.

The small and sleepy Rairangpur town wore a festive look as people took to celebration. They burst crackers on the streets and cut cakes congratulating Murmu.

As she belongs to Santhal tribe, the people of her community including women were found dancing while the men beat the drums and other folk musical instruments. People from all walks of life also participated in the celebration.

“It is a historic day for all tribals. For the first time in history of our country, a woman from our community has been nominated to the highest constitutional post” said one of the tribals.

“All of us irrespective of caste, creed and religion have gathered here to participate in the celebration. We want to put across the message to the country that we are also part of our great country and feel proud for Droupadi Murmu, who has been successful in rising from an humble background like us, is going to occupy the highest post,” said a tribal leader.

Murmu began her political career as a member of Rairangpur Nagar panchayat in 1997 and rose through the ranks to become a minister in the state government in 2000 and later the Governor of Jharkhand in 2015.

A two-term former MLA from Rairangpur, Murmu held on to her Assembly seat in 2009 when the BJD snapped ties with the BJP weeks ahead of the state elections.

Born on June 20, 1958, Murmu also holds the distinction of becoming the first woman governor of Jharkhand. If elected, Murmu will also be the first president to be born after Independence.