Odisha BJP Castigates Cong For Not Supporting Droupadi Murmu As Presidential Candidate

Bhubaneswar: With Odisha Congress announcing its decision of not supporting NDA’s Presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu, BJP criticised the party stating that it reflected its anti-tribal policy.

Speaking to media persons in Bhubaneswar on Friday, state BJP president Samir Mohanty said it is a matter of pride and honour for all Odias that a tribal woman from Odisha is going to the President of the country. Instead of rejoicing at it and extending their support, senior Congress leaders have said that they would toe their party line.

“The Congress should not forget that it has been elected to power all the times due to the cooperation of the tribals. But when it came to extend its support to them, the grand old party is backtracking,” said Mohanty.

Stating that for the first time in history of independent India, a tribal woman has been nominated to President post, he said the Congress was not able to accept it.

On OPCC president Sarat Patnaik’s statement that Droupadi Murmu was the candidate of BJP and not people of Odisha, Mohanty said it has to reflect on its decision considering the sentiments of the tribals of the state.

Hinting at elections ahead, the BJP president said the Congress should not forget that in a democracy, the ultimate power rests with the people, not the party.