Uddhav Thackeray supports NDA’s presidential candidate Draupadi Murmu

Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray has extended his support to NDA’s presidential candidate Draupadi Murmu. He said he is happy to have a tribal woman as the President.

Thackeray’s decision to back Murmu is a major setback for the opposition front which has fielded Yashwant Sinha in the presidential polls to be held on July 18.

“Shiv Sena MPs did not put any pressure on me, but they asked. We are going to support Draupadi Murmu for the presidency after taking their advice,” said Uddhav Thackeray.

Thirteen of Shiv Sena’s 18 Lok Sabha MPs in Maharashtra attended a key meeting on Tuesday and a majority of them recommended Draupadi Murmu for the top constitutional post.

However, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Rawat strongly supported Yashwant Sinha during the meeting, sources said.

Some party MLAs and leaders, especially those from the Adivasi community, asked the leadership of the BJP’s former ally Shiv Sena to support Murmu because of his tribal roots.

The presidential election will be held on July 18, in which 4,809 MPs and MLAs will vote to elect Ram Nath Kovind’s successor. Counting of votes will take place in the capital on July 21.

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