Congratulatory messages by political leaders cutting across party lines poured in for the new President of India Droupadi Murmu after she took oath on Monday.
Congratulating Murmu, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said her election to the highest office is a testimony to the vibrancy and strength of Indian democracy. "My best wishes to her for a successful and fulfilling tenure as the First Citizen of India," he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described her oath taking as a "watershed moment" for India, especially for the poor, marginalised and downtrodden. Wishing her the best for a fruitful tenure, Modi said the entire nation watched with pride as she took the oath. Modi said, "The entire nation watched with pride as Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji took oath as the President of India. Her assuming the Presidency is a watershed moment for India, especially for the poor, marginalised and downtrodden. I wish her the very best for a fruitful Presidential tenure."
"In her address after taking the oath, President Droupadi Murmu Ji gave a message of hope and compassion. She emphasised India's accomplishments and presented a futuristic vision of the path ahead at a time when India is marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav," he said.
BJP chief J P Nadda, senior Union ministers and opposition leaders were among those who congratulated Murmu. Her first address to the nation as "people's president" encapsulated not just the significance of this truly historic moment but the spirit of New India, Nadda said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated Murmu and hoped that her tenure will take India's pride to new heights. "Many congratulations to Smt Droupadi Murmu on taking oath as the 15th President of India.
I am sure that your tenure will take the pride of the country to new heights. Today's historic day is a wonderful example of empowerment and 'Antyodaya' of every section following democratic values," Shah tweeted in Hindi.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh termed it a remarkable day in the history of the Indian Republic and expressed confidence that her rich legislative and administrative experience will benefit the nation. Several Opposition leaders also took to Twitter to congratulate Murmu. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin greeted Murmu, saying the nation would benefit from her services.
"I am sure that the nation would stand to benefit from your services as the President of this great country and I wish you all the very best," Stalin said in his message. Senior Congress leader and former Union minister P Chidambaram said it is "a proud moment" in India's history to see a lady born to a tribal family in a remote village of Odisha ascend to the office of President of India.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar congratulated Murmu and expressed confidence that she would remain committed to the protection of India's democracy, constitution and law, and will make the country more proud during her tenure.
Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot said, "Every word in her speech had a meaning. I am very impressed. The views expressed by a tribal woman are commendable. I hope she meets the commitment she made to the nation today."
CPI MP Binoy Viswam applauded Murmu's speech but said her dreams and BJP government's policies may not go hand in hand.
"President Droupadi Murmu ji's speech reflects her genuine hopes. Her words for tribes, women, youth and environment will be a challenge for herself. BJP government's policies and her dreams are unlikely to go together," tweeted Viswam.