New Delhi: Former Jharkhand Governor and Odisha BJP leader Draupadi Murmu appears to be ahead of others within the ruling NDA in the race to be the next President of India, elections for which will be held on July 18. President Ram Nath Kovind’s tenure ends on July 24.
The names of others doing the rounds are Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, UP Governor Anandiben Patel, Chhattisgarh Governor Anusuiya Uikey, Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. But, according to reports, Murmu, a tribal leader from Odisha, seems to be leading the race.
What is likely to work in Murmu’s favour is that she has good equations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, as well as with the RSS and NDA allies.
There is speculation that Modi will pick a tribal or a Muslim candidate for the post. Arif Mohammad Khan is also a favourite if Modi picks a Muslim face.
If Murmu becomes President, she will be the first Odia and first tribal person to hold the topmost constitutional post.
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