Former Minister in Odisha Government Draupadi Murmu on Monday took oath of office and secrecy becoming the first tribal woman to become the ninth Governor of Jharkhand. Murmu was administered oath by Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court Justice Virender Singh in an official ceremony at Birsa Mandap in Raj Bhavan. The swearing-in scheduled at 10 am was delayed by 10 minutes as the Governor reached the venue along with Justice Virender Singh welcomed by Chief Minister Ragubar Das. The Governor then took oath in English administered by the Chief Justice.
Soon after the swearing-in ceremony, Chief Minister Raghubar Das, Union Minister Sudarshan Bhagat, State Assembly Speaker Dinesh Oraon, Opposition leader Hemant Soren, former CM Arjun Munda, JMM Chief Shibu Soren along with Cabinet Ministers of the State Govern-ment, judges of High Court and senior officials of the Govern-ment congratulated Murmu.
Murmu has an experience of handling different portfolios as a Minister in the Naveen Patnaik cabinet when the Biju Janata Dal ruled the State between 2004 and 2009. She was heading the BJP’s Mayurbhanj district unit in Odisha at the time of her appointment as she lost the 2009 General elections from Mayurbhanj constituency.