Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has nominated Droupadi Murmu, a tribal woman politician, as his presidential candidate.
According to Indian media, 64-year-old Droupadi Murmu belongs to the Santhal tribe of Odisha state and has held high positions in the government.
Analysts believe that Droupadi Murmu is more likely to be elected president. One reason for this is that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has a majority in parliament, while support from other state assemblies is likely.
Voting for India’s presidential election is expected to take place in July next year.
Droupadi Murmu started her career as a school teacher and has also been active for the rights of tribals. She later entered mainstream politics and was twice elected to the Odisha Assembly on a BJP ticket.
In 2015, she was elected the first female governor of the state of Jharkhand.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday tweeted that Droupadi Murmu had dedicated his life to the service of society and the poor and backward people.
Narendra Modi said, “I am sure she will be the best president of our nation.”
Even in her personal life, Droupadi Murmu has gone through extremely painful moments. Her husband and two sons were killed in different incidents.
After winning the presidential election, Droupadi Murmu will be India’s first tribal president and second female president.
Opposition parties in India have said they will support former BJP member Yashwant Sinha.
In the Constitution of India, the President has a primarily formal role, while the Prime Minister and the Cabinet have executive powers.
However, during any political crisis, the president has a crucial role to play, especially in the event of inconclusive national elections. The president decides which party has the right to form the government.