Presidential candidate reaches out to Manipur ahead of vote day55 MLAs, three MPs set to back NDA's Murmu

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 5 : NDA's Presidential candidate Draupadi Murmu landed at Imphal this evening on a whistle stop visit to the State.
If elected, Murmu, the former Governor of Jharkhand will be the first tribal leader to become President of India. She filed her nomination in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and others at the Parliament building on June 24.
Notably, Murmu is the first Presidential candidate to campaign in Manipur and 55 MLAs and the three MPs of the State, Dr RK Ranjan, Dr Lorho S Pfoze and Leishemba Sanajaoba are lined up to support her candidature.
The NDA's Presidential candidate was received by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, BJP State unit president A Sarda Devi and other party leaders at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport today evening.
From the Airport, Murmu headed to Imphal Hotel where she was accorded a warm welcome by Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal, Pratima Bhoumik, Dr RK Ranjan, Lok Sabha MP Dr Lorho S Pfoze, Rajya Sabha MP Leisemba Sanajaoba, N Biren Singh and his Cabinet colleagues and other MLAs who support her.
Later, a closed door meeting was convened supposedly to discuss strategies for the Presidential election which will be held on July 18. The counting will be held on July 21 while the President elect will take oath on July 26.
The Opposition has nominated Yashwant Sinha as its Presidential candidate.
Speaking to media persons at Imphal Airport, N Biren Singh said that Murmu landed in Imphal to campaign for the Presidential election.
He also said that the NDA's candidate will surely be elected as the next President.
Before her departure, Murmu visited the official residence of the Chief Minister.
As reported by Newmai News Network, Draupadi Murmu will address all public representatives of Meghalaya at Orchid Lake Resort, Umiam on July 6.
Informing this today, BJP National Executive Member and in-charge of Presidential election in Meghalaya, AL Hek appealed to all public representatives to rise above party lines to support the tribal lady as a Presidential candidate.
Hek, who is also a former Minister, said the NDA strongly believes in empowering women and uplifting tribes and backward classes.