Former Jharkhand Governor and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate Droupadi Murmu was elected the 15 th President of India, the first tribal woman to be elected to the position and the youngest as well. She was declared elected on Thursday after four rounds of counting, although she had crossed the halfway mark after the third round of counting itself, posting an unassailable lead over her rival and the Opposition’s candidate Yashwant Sinha, who conceded the election thereafter.
After four rounds of polling, Ms. Murmu received 2,824 votes of 6,76,803 value while Mr. Sinha received 1,877 votes or 3,80,177 value. She received 64.03% of total valid votes polled, much more than what was openly declared in her support and pointing to the fact there had been a lot of cross-voting in Ms. Murmu's favour from the Opposition ranks.
Also read | Tribal at the top, great expectations on the ground
"In my capacity as Returning Officer duly declare that Smt. Droupadi Murmu has been duly elected as President of India," said P.C. Mody, Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha, who was the designated Returning Officer for the polls.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first to greet Ms. Murmu at her residence in New Delhi after the third round of counting showed that she had crossed the half-way mark. “India scripts history. At a time when 1.3 billion Indians are marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a daughter of India hailing from a tribal community born in a remote part of eastern India has been elected our President!” tweeted Mr. Modi, adding that “Smt Droupadi Murmu’s life, her early struggles, her rich service and her exemplary success motivates each and every Indian. She has emerged as a ray of hope for our citizens especially the poor, marginalised and the downtrodden.”
Ms. Murmu, who had been a former Governor of Jharkhand, hails from the Santhal tribe and was born in the district of Mayurbhanj, coming up the hard way in life, graduating and teaching in Odisha before entering electoral politics at the local body level and later being elected MLA and serving as a Minister in the Biju Janata Dal-BJP coalition government from 2000 to 2004. She remained an MLA till 2009, representing Rairangpur in Odisha, a town that burst into celebrations since her name was announced as a candidate for the post of President of India. She holds the record of being the only Governor of Jharkhand till date to complete a full tenure, and was known to intervene in stopping amendments to the Chota Nagpur Tenancy Act that was being brought in by the BJP government of Raghubar Das, which involved changing land use in tribal areas.
Also read | Odisha’s tribal heartland erupts into a frenzy
Congratulatory messages poured out as her victory was assured, with Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah and BJP president J.P. Nadda also going in person to greet Ms. Murmu. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said Ms. Murmu “has always given voice to the hopes and aspirations of the people, understood their grievances and resolved them.
Opinion | The President is not a mere rubber stamp
A total of 4,809 electors, comprising 776 MPs and 4,033 elected MLAs, are entitled to vote in the election, but nominated MPs and MLAs, and Members of Legislative Council are not. Over 99% of the total electors had cast their ballot in the poll that took place on Monday, according to the Election Commission.
Mr. Kovind’s tenure is ending on July 24 and the new President will take oath on July 25.
Here are the latest updates:
Baghel, other Chhattisgarh leaders congratulate Murmu
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Thursday congratulated President-elect Droupadi Murmu and said he trusts her to protect the democratic values.
“We have faith that as the constitutional guardian of the Republic of India, you will preserve the glorious history of protecting the democratic rights of the country’s citizens,” he said in a statement here.- PTI
Chouhan thanks non-BJP MLAs for supporting Murmu in Prez poll
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday thanked non-BJP MLAs in the state who voted for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate Droupadi Murmu in the presidential poll .He said Murmu, a tribal and former Governor, got votes of MLAs of parties other than the BJP, which heads the NDA, in the state and congratulated her for getting elected to the country’s top constitutional post.
“In the presidential poll, Droupadi Murmu got votes of MLAs other than those of the BJP in the state. I heartily thank MLAs who have voted for Droupadi Murmu as per their conscience,” Chouhan said in a tweet in Hindi.- PTI
Telangana Guv greets President-elect
Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan and leaders of various parties on Thursday greeted NDA candidate Droupadi Murmu on being elected as the President of India.
In her message, the governor said, “The life journey of Smt Droupadi Murmu ji from a humble beginning to the highest Constitutional position of the country is truly inspiring. It is a momentous occasion in the history of the country.” Jana Sena party founder Pawan Kalyan, in a statement, hailed the election of Murmu as President and extended greetings to her.- PTI
Bihar CM congratulates Murmu
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday congratulated NDA candidate Droupadi Murmu on being elected as the next President of the country .“I heartily congratulate Droupadi Murmu on her victory in the Presidential Election 2022,” Mr. Kumar said in a statement.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tarkishore Prasad and state BJP president Sanjay Jaiswal also congratulated Murmu on her victory.- PTI
As Murmu wins Presidential Election, Delhi BJP hosts ‘Abhinandan Yatra’
Waving tricolours and jubilating to the sound of ‘dhol-nagadas’, a large number of BJP supporters flooded the streets in the heart of Delhi, as the NDA’s presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu on Thursday emerged victorious in the keenly-watched poll over her rival Yashwant Sinha.
An ‘Abhinandan Yatra’ was taken out from its Delhi unit office at 14, Pant Marg, as scores of men and women from the party cadres marched to the Rajpath, with some chanting slogans and raising placards bearing images of Ms. Murmu and the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Senior BJP leader and Union minister Meenakshi Lekhi, Delhi BJP chief Adesh Gupta, other party leaders Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Harsh Vardhan and others also took part riding a vehicle and waving at the swarms of crowd. The road show was escorted by the police to ensure flow of traffic and proper law and order situation, officials said.- PTI
Tamil Nadu Guv., CM greet Droupadi Murmu
Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and the Leader of the Opposition AIADMK in the Assembly K. Palaniswami on Thursday greeted the NDA candidate Droupadi Murmu.
Extending his warmest greetings and best wishes to Droupadi Murmu on her being elected the President of India, the Governor tweeted, “she will lead the country to Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat.” In his message posted on his Twitter site, the Chief Minister said, “Hearty congratulations to Hon’ble Droupadi Murmu avl on being elected to the highest constitutional position of India.”
Greeting Murmu on behalf of AlADMK, Mr. Palaniswami said, “Mrs Draupadi Murmu, a representative of the Tribal community has been elected as the President of the Republic of India on behalf of the National Democratic Alliance.”- PTI
My father would have been proudest if he was alive: Meghalaya CM on Murmu’s election
Congratulating President-elect Droupadi Murmu, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Thursday said his father P.A. Sangma would have been the proudest person today if he was alive.
“This brings satisfaction and joy to me. If my father P.A. Sangma, who laid the foundation of this thought (of having a tribal person as president of the country) would have been alive, he would have been the proudest man to see this day,” the chief minister said in a statement.
“It is indeed a great and historic moment in the history of this country where the president’s post is being held by a tribal woman,” he said. -PTI
President Kovind greets Droupadi Murmu on her election as the next President
President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday greeted Droupadi Murmu on her election as the next President of the country.
“Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Smt. Droupadi Murmu on being elected as the 15th President of India,” Mr. Kovind tweeted. -PTI
Murmu elected to the office of President of India
Droupadi Murmu has been duly elected to the office of the President of India, Returning Officer for the Presidential Election 2022 announces. 53 invalid votes were polled, she received 2824 first preference votes, says the returning officer. She has been declared winner of the election as counting of votes concludes.
Jharkhand erupts in celebrations as Murmu wins prez poll
People of Jharkhand began celebrations on Thursday evening, dancing to the beats of ‘buang’ and ‘dhak’, as Droupadi Murmu was elected the next president of India.
Revellers hit the streets in state capital Ranchi and other parts of the State with traditional instruments, playing tribal tunes and dancing to those, besides distributing sweets and playing colours.
Tribals are 27% of Jharkhand’s population and influence the state’s politics and policy. Ms. Murmu, the first tribal woman to be elected president, is the former governor of Jharkhand.
Jharkhand is home to people of 32 tribal groups, including Santhals -- to which Ms. Murmu belongs. -PTI
Election of Murmu great pride for India, says Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday congratulated Droupadi Murmu for her election as the President of India and said it is a moment of great pride for the entire country.
In a series of tweets in Hindi, Mr. Shah said Murmu has reached this highest position in the country after fighting against the odds and this shows the immense power of our democracy.
“Coming from a very humble tribal family, NDA candidate Droupadi Murmu’s election as the President of India is a moment of great pride for the entire country, I congratulate her,” he said.
The home minister said the victory is a milestone in the direction of realising the resolve of ‘Antyodaya’ and empowerment of the tribal society.
“Even after so many struggles, the selfless spirit with which she devoted herself in the service of the country and society is inspiring for all,” he said. -PTI
A.P. Guv, CM congratulate Murmu on election as President
Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan, Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and Leader of Opposition N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday congratulated Droupadi Murmu on her resounding victory in the presidential election.
The Governor, who also hails from Odisha, in a message said, “I congratulate Droupadi Murmu, the first tribal woman who has been elected as the 15th President of India. I have known Ms. Murmu for a long time. She is a dedicated leader who worked for the welfare of tribal people.” Ms. Harichandan said it was a proud moment for the entire tribal community and the country and wished her a “long and healthy life in the service of the people of the nation.” In his message, the Chief Minister said Ms. Murmu’s resolute victory reflected the social justice system.
“Ms. Murmu’s rich experience in public life would embellish the highest office she is elected to,” Mr. Jagan said. -PTI
Assam’s tea-tribe community celebrates Murmu’s win in Presidential poll
Assam’s tea-tribe community erupted in joy with many breaking into the traditional dance after it became clear that NDA candidate Droupadi Murmu, a tribal leader of Odisha, is going to be the new President of the country.
The ruling NDA in Assam also took out a procession here, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
“Took part in a rally along with BJP National VC Shri @PandaJay ji to celebrate the grand victory of NDA’s Presidential candidate Hon’ble Smt Droupadi Murmu ji. Her victory reflects Adarniya PM Shri @narendramodi ji-led NDA Govt’s commitment for tribal rights & naari shakti,” Mr. Sarma tweeted. -PTI
Vice President Naidu congratulates Murmu on her win
Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday congratulated Droupadi Murmu for emerging victorious in the presidential election and said her deep understanding of people’s issues will greatly benefit the nation.
“Heartiest congratulations to Smt Droupadi Murmu ji on being elected as the 15th President of India! Her wide experience in public life, spirit of selfless service and deep understanding of people’s issues will greatly benefit the nation. My best wishes for a successful tenure,” the Vice President Secretariat tweeted. -PTI
Karnataka CM congratulates Droupadi Murmu for winning Presidential election
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Thursday congratulated NDA nominee Droupadi Murmu for emerging victorious in the Presidential election.
In a tweet, he said, “A matter of immense pride for every Indian in having the first woman tribal President #DroupadiMurmu. A memorable day for the country.” “We Indians are proud of our deeply ensconced democratic values. Congratulations to the newly elected President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji.” -PTI
Arunachal celebrates Murmu’s victory
Celebrations began in tribal-dominated Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday evening as NDA candidate Droupadi Murmu was elected the next president of India.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said the people of the State feel proud in celebrating the momentous occasion.
Terming it historic, he said the country would progress under Ms. Murmu’s able guidance.
“I congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president JP Nada, Home Minister Amit Shah and their cabinet colleagues for choosing a tribal woman for the highest constitutional post of the country, and thank all lawmakers, including the alliance partners, for their support,” Mr. Mein said. -PTI
PM Modi congratulates Murmu
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Droupadi Murmu’s residence to congratulate her after she emerges victorious in presidential poll.
He says, “India scripts history. At a time when 1.3 billion Indians are marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a daughter of India hailing from a tribal community born in a remote part of eastern India has been elected our President!
“Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji’s life, her early struggles, her rich service and her exemplary success motivates each and every Indian. She has emerged as a ray of hope for our citizens, especially the poor, marginalised and downtrodden,” he says.
I am certain Droupadi Murmu will be an outstanding President who will lead from the front and strengthen India’s development journey, Mr. Modi added.
Mr. Modi thanks all MPs, and MLAs across party lines who supported Ms. Murmu, and says her record victory augurs well for our democracy. -PTI
Rahul Gandhi congratulates Droupadi Murmu on her victory
Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday congratulated Droupadi Murmu on being elected as the 15th President of India.
He was among the first opposition leader to wish Ms. Murmu after she crossed the crucial 50% votes mark, even when counting for the presidential poll was on.
“Congratulations and best wishes to Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji on being elected as the 15th President of India,” Mr. Gandhi said on Twitter.
Sharad Pawar congratulates Murmu
Rajya Sabha MP Sharad Pawar congratulates Ms. Murmu on her win.
Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha concedes defeat, congratulates Droupadi Murmu on her prez poll win
Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha on Thursday congratulated Droupadi Murmu on her win in the presidential polls and said every Indian hope that as the 15th President she functions as the “custodian of the Constitution” without fear or favour.
NDA’s presidential candidate Murmu crossed the 50% mark after the third round of counting to emerge victorious in the poll over her rival Sinha.
In a statement, Mr. Sinha thanked the leaders of the Opposition parties for choosing him as their consensus candidate in this election.
Very proud moment for Odisha: Naveen on Murmu’s prez poll victory
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik congratulated Droupadi Murmu on Thursday for emerging victorious in the presidential poll, saying it was a very proud moment for everyone in Odisha Patnaik said Ms. Murmu’s journey from a humble beginning to becoming the first citizen of the country was an inspiring and a shining example of women’s empowerment.
“Congratulate the daughter of #Odisha, Smt #DroupadiMurmu on being elected as 15th President of India,” Mr. Patnaik tweeted.
“It is indeed a very proud moment for everyone in Odisha that she has been elected for the highest office in the country,” he said.
The chief minister wished her the very best for a “fulfilling tenure” ahead. -PTI
Rajnath Singh congratulates Murmu, says it’s proof of Indian democracy’s strength
Union minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday congratulated Droupadi Murmu on her “impressive” win in the presidential poll and asserted that her victory is proof of Indian democracy’s strength.
The senior BJP leader said she has been active in public welfare among the poor and deprived sections of society and has now risen to reach the top constitutional post. - PTI
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee congratulates Murmu on her victory
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday congratulated NDA presidential nominee Droupadi Murmu after she emerged victorious in the election.
The Trinamool Congress supremo said that the country will sincerely look up to Murmu as the “Head of State to protect the ideals of the Constitution and the custodian of our democracy”.
Droupadi Murmu cross majority mark to win prez poll
The NDA’s presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu on Thursday crossed the 50 per cent mark after the third round of counting to emerge victorious in the poll over her rival Yashwant Sinha.
An official announcement on her win is expected after all votes are counted but she has already got 5,77,777 votes, which is more than the halfway mark of the total valid votes cast in the election on July 18. -PTI
Murmu leads in round three of voting
Droupadi Murmu gets 812 votes and Yashwant Sinha gets 521 in round three of voting.
Ms. Murmu has crossed the halfway mark after votes of all MPs and MLAs of 20 States have been counted. As per this round she has 5,77,777 and Yashwant Sinha has 2,61,062 votes. A fourth round of counting is underway. -Nistuala Hebbar
Celebrations galore in Murmu’s hometown as she gains lead in prez race
As news of “Odisha’s daughter” Droupadi Murmu taking a consolidated lead over her rival Yashwant Sinha in the presidential elections poured in, the entire state, especially her hometown Rairangpur, burst into celebrations on Thursday.
Revellers gathered outside her residence in Rairangpur town in Mayubhanj, as well as her in-laws’ home in the district’s Pahadpur village, and played tribal music and danced to its tunes. -PTI
Celebrations in Dooars tea gardens in anticipation of Draupadi Murmu’s win
Celebrations broke out in the tea gardens in the Dooars area of North Bengal on Thursday in anticipation of Droupadi Murmu, the NDA presidential candidate, winning the presidential poll.
The tea plucker, mostly women from the Santhal community to which Ms. Murmu belongs, lined up their baskets of tea leaves on the road in the tea gardens after their duty hours, sang and danced together to express their joy over the prospect of a tribal woman assuming the highest constitutional post in the country. -PTI
Murmu led life of diffculties, her elevation will strengthen women empowerment: Brahma Kumaris
As the declaration of results of the presidential poll neared, the Brahma Kumaris on Thursday recalled the organisation’s long association with Droupadi Murmu and how her life has been “full of difficulties”.
Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya administrative head Dadi Ratan Mohini in a statement said Ms. Murmu’s expected elevation to the post of President will further strengthen women empowerment.
Ms. Murmu has been associated with the spiritual organisation, headquartered at Abu Road in Rajasthan’s Sirohi district, since 2009. -PTI
NDA’s Murmu leads ahead by huge margin after second round of counting
The NDA presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu has consolidated her lead after the second round of counting by getting nearly 72% of the total votes of all MPs and MLAs of 10 States counted so far.
Ms. Murmu is inching towards victory and is set to cross the 50% mark soon, as her vote value now reached 4,83,299, while her rival Yashwant Sinha’s vote value reached 1,89,876.
While Ms. Murmu received votes of 809 MLAs out of a total of 1138 MLAs in 10 States, with a vote count of 1,05,299, Mr. Sinha got votes of 329 MLAs with vote count of 44,276, in the second round.
Among the States where votes were counted include Andhra Pradesh, where Ms. Murmu received almost all the votes, besides Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisharh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jharkhand.
After the first round of counting, when votes of all members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were counted, Ms. Murmu was leading with 540 of the 748 votes polled.
With each MP having a vote value of 700 in this presidential election, Ms. Murmu had a total vote value of 5,23,600 which is 72.19 per cent of the total valid vote count of MPs polled.
Mr. Sinha had received 208 votes of MPs after the first round of counting, with a total vote value of 1,45,600, which is 27.81% of the total valid votes polled, Returning Officer P.C. Mody said.
Votes of 15 MPs were declared invalid, he said, adding that all the votes of MPs have been counted. Eight MPs did not vote.
First round of counting concludes; Murmu leads
After the first round of counting, in which the ballot papers of the Members of Parliament were counted, NDA’s presidential candidate Draupadi Murmu secured 540 (total value of votes - 3,78,000) out of the 748 total votes polled. Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha got 208 votes (total value or votes - 1,45,600), according to P.C. Mody, Returning Officer for the presidential election.
Votes of 15 MPs were declared invalid, he said.
With each MP having a vote value of 700 in this presidential election, Ms. Murmu received a total of 3,78,000 votes which is 72.19% of the total valid MP votes, indicating some cross-voting in her favour, officials said.
On the other hand, Mr. Sinha’s total vote value stood at 1,45,600, which is 27.81% of the total valid votes.
The counting for the second round of votes of the MLAs has begun, officials said.
Community feast at Pahadpur
Community feasts are being thrown at Pahadpur, NDA’s presidential nominee Droupadi Murmu’s in-laws village in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district. — Satyasundar Barik
Drummers arrive for celebrations in Mayurbhanj
Drummers have arrived ahead of mass celebration at Pahadpur playground to commemorate Droupadi Murmu’s elevation to top constitutional position in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district on Thursday. - Satyasundar Barik
Special prayers at Chinnamastika temple for Droupadi Murmu’s victory
Special prayers are being offered on Thursday at the famed Chinnamastika temple at Rajrappa here, recognised as an ancient Shakti seat, on Thursday for the victory of Droupadi Murmu, the NDA presidential candidate who was Jharkhand’s former governor.
Priests of the temple, which is located about 70 km from state capital on the confluence of Bhairavi and Damodar rivers, performed special ‘aarti’ for Ms. Murmu’s victory.
“We held special prayers with aarti of the deity and sought blessings for Droupadi Murmu’s victory for the top constitutional post. It is a matter of pride that the nation is going to get a tribal woman as its president,” a senior priest of the temple, Shubhashis Panda said. - PTI
Odisha’s tribal heartland erupts into a frenzy anticipating Droupadi Murmu’s victory
The tribal heartland in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district on July 21 erupted into a frenzy in anticipation of National Democratic Alliance candidate Droupadi Murmu becoming next President of India.
The ecstatic people celebrated the historic moment as Ms. Murmu is set to be the first tribal woman President of India. Her native village, Uparbeda and her in-laws’ village, Pahadpur, is euphoric as the counting of votes for the presidential election began in the morning.
In the run-up to the counting of votes, thousands of laddoos were prepared at Rairangpur, the home town of the former Governor of Jharkhand, for mass distribution. The small town was decorated with lights and flooded with banners congratulating the daughter of soil. — Satyasundar Barik
Celebrations begin in Odisha
Celebrations broke out in SLS (Shyam, Laxman and Sipun) Memorial Residential School, Pahadpur founded by NDA presidential nominee Droupadi Murmu in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district on Thursday. - Satyasundar Barik
Stage set for counting of votes for presidential poll
The process of counting of votes to declare the name of the 15th President of India began on Thursday morning, with polling officials sorting the ballot papers from different States, officials said.
The green-coloured ballot papers of the MPs from different States will be sorted before the formal counting begins.
According to the alphabetical order, the ballot boxes from various States, including those from Kerala and Meghalaya, have been sorted.
The MLAs have marked their votes on pink-coloured ballot papers.
BJP plans ‘Abhinandan Yatra’ after counting of votes for presidential poll
A mega “Abhinandan Yatra” to be led by BJP chief J.P. Nadda and attended by thousands of leaders and workers has been planned by the party after counting of votes for presidential poll, on Thursday evening, Delhi BJP leaders said.
The party also plans to celebrate an anticipated “landmark victory” of NDA’s nominee Droupadi Murmu, the first tribal to be elected on the post of President of India, across the country, particularly in tribal pockets, sources said.
The roadshow is scheduled to start from Delhi BJP office on Pant Marg to celebrate an almost certain victory of Murmu in the presidential election, party leaders said.
The roadshow will conclude at Rajpath after passing through Ashoka Road, Patel Chowk and Rafi Marg. - PTI
Murmu’s hometown confident of her win, gears up for celebration
Laddus are being prepared and hoardings have been put up congratulating “Odisha’s daughter” as NDA presidential nominee Droupadi Murmu’s hometown Rairangpur expressed confidence in her win and geared up for celebrations on Wednesday, hours before declaration of results.
The counting of votes polled in the 15th presidential election will begin in New Delhi on Thursday morning. Various local organisations such as traders’ bodies, bar associations, and religious and educational institutions, and even government officials are waiting with palpable enthusiasm to congratulate the “daughter of the soil”.
Folk artistes and tribal dancers rehearsed their performances and are ready to hit the streets as soon as the results are declared. They are waiting with bated breath to witness the first tribal woman president of the country.
“We are preparing 20,000 laddus and have put up 100 banners congratulating Murmu, who has her house in our town,” local BJP leader Tapan Mahanta said.
Several organisations have planned mass feats as people from rural areas are likely to throng Rairangpur town in Mayurbhanj district from noon.
There is enthusiasm among the people as for the first time, someone from the state is tipped to occupy the country’s topmost constitutional post. - PTI
Ballot boxes from all States, UTs reach Parliament House
With ballot boxes from all States having reached the Parliament House, poll officials are ready for the counting in room number 63, the strong room of Parliament where the boxes are guarded behind round-the-clock security.
Rajya Sabha Secretary General P.C. Mody, who is the Chief Returning Officer for the poll, will oversee the counting on Thursday, the result of which is likely to be declared by the evening.
Mr. Mody will first brief on the poll trends after all votes of MPs have been counted, and then again after votes of 10 States in alphabetical order have been counted.
Sources said he will brief once more on the poll trends after votes of 20 States have been counted, and then finally declare the result after the total counting.
All ballot boxes from State Assemblies had reached the Parliament’s strong room on Tuesday evening and have been locked up there since. The ballot boxes had been flown into the national capital as ‘Mr Ballot Box’ from across the States.
'Mr Ballot Box' came seated in the front row of aircrafts under the watchful gaze of the Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) of their respective States.
EC had posted photographs of the sealed ballot boxes
The Election Commission had on Monday posted photographs of the sealed ballot boxes onboard flights accompanied by AROs.
According to the EC, each ballot box was issued an e-ticket under the name 'Mr Ballot Box'.
Polling for the Presidential election was held between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday at 31 locations including the Parliament House and 30 centres within State Legislative Assemblies.
There are also reports of cross-voting in favour of Ms. Murmu in a number of States. There is no whip issued to members in the Presidential poll.
MPs of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, except nominated MPs, and all MLAs in Legislative Assembly in all States act as electors in the Presidential poll.
A total of 4,809 electors, comprising 776 MPs and 4,033 elected MLAs, are entitled to vote in the election, but nominated MPs and MLAs, and Members of Legislative Council are not.
Over 99% of the total electors had cast their ballot in the poll that took place on Monday, according to the Election Commission.
Eight MPs, including BJP MPs Sunny Deol and Sanjay Dhotre, were among those who missed casting their votes.
Actor-politician Deol missed voting since he is abroad for medical treatment, while Mr. Dhotre gave it a pass since he was in the ICU of a hospital.
Two MPs each from BJP and Shiv Sena, and one each from the BSP, Congress, SP, and AIMIM missed voting in the Monday polls.
Mr. Kovind had become the President after polling 7,02,044 votes out of a total of 10,69,358 votes, while his rival Meira Kumar polled only 3,67,314 votes.
Congress lodges complaint with EC against Murmu, BJP leaders, alleging poll code violation
The Congress in Karnataka on Tuesday lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against the NDA’s presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu and others alleging violations of the provisions of law in the July 18 election.
The party alleged that the ruling BJP in Karnataka had bribed and exerted undue influence on its MLAs on July 17 and 18.
The Congress Legislative Party leader Siddaramaiah and State party president D.K. Shivakumar in their complaint alleged that the MLAs, who were the voters, were provided luxurious stay in a five-star hotel.
They alleged that at the “instance and consent” of the NDA candidate (Ms. Murmu), Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, the BJP State president Nalin Kumar Kateel, BJP senior leader B.S. Yediyurappa, the BJP chief whip in the Assembly Sathish Reddy, the ministers and other senior leaders of BJP joined together and summoned all the MLAs of BJP to a five-Star hotel in Bengaluru and provided luxurious rooms, food, liquor, beverages, entertainment in the guise of training session for MLAs on voting in the presidential election.
The leaders further said that on July 18 morning, almost all the ministers, MLAs and other senior leaders of the BJP came in a government-owned Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation’s air-conditioned bus from the hotel to Vidhana Soudha to exercise their electoral rights.
(With inputs from Agencies)
