Why Congress and Other Opposition Parties Are Abstaining from Supporting Madam Droupadi Murmu for the Presidential Election
The upcoming presidential election is a significant political event in India. Despite the vast diversity of the country, there are certain questions and debates surrounding the selection of the next president. Among these, the decision to support Droupadi Murmu, a tribal lady, has been a contentious issue. This article delves into the reasons behind the abstention of major opposition parties, such as the Congress, and the wider implications of this choice.
Background on Presidential Candidates and Their Fitment
Shri Ramnath Kovind, the outgoing president, left a significant legacy. His tenure was marked by strong international relations and national pride. The question arises as to whether the current presidential candidate, Droupadi Murmu, can replicate this success. To answer this, one must examine the rationale behind her selection and whether she truly stands out as a unique candidate.
The Policy and Political Landscape
Non-BJP parties such as the Congress have consistently opposed the party's choice on principled grounds. These opposition parties have their own list of candidates, indicating that the selection of the ruling party's candidate should not automatically be accepted.
The selection process of both BJP and Congress often hinges on traditionally held criteria such as tribal, underprivileged, poor background, or female identity. These labels are often used as convenient catchwords that mean little in terms of genuine qualification or reform. The ways in which the BJP selects its candidates mirror those of the Congress, where often, the primary qualification is less about tangible ability and more about symbolic representation.
Analyzing the Suitability of the BJP Candidate
BJP's candidate, Droupadi Murmu, has a profile that many might find unremarkable. Born into a Santal tribal family, she served as a councilor and minister in Orissa. While her profile includes serving as a national vice-president and as the first woman governor of Jharkhand, these accomplishments do not seem to offer specific differentiators that distinguish her from other political figures.
The announcement of her candidacy by Prime Minister Modi was met with little enthusiastic response. Leadership of the president to thank the Prime Minister for faith reposed in them is a traditional gesture, but it draws attention to the underlying political dynamics. The profile of Droupadi Murmu, while interesting to some in the context of social anthropology, lacks distinguishing characteristics that would make her a uniquely fitting candidate for the highest office in the land.
Expectations and Realities of the Role
Questions are raised about the effectiveness of the president in bringing about meaningful change for women, tribals, and the poor. While many might argue that a presidency can play a role in improving the lot of underprivileged groups, the reality is that much of this can be achieved without the position of president. Governmental policies can often achieve far more than any single individual could.
While many Indians have strong reservations about the suitability of Droupadi Murmu for the role, it is important to recognize that her candidacy is a political choice. The BJP's reasons for selecting her are well understood, and the opposition's reluctance to support her is a reflection of their own strategic considerations.
Whether one agrees with the decision or not, the underlying message remains clear: the selection process for the presidency is complex and often reflects political dynamics rather than concrete qualification. As such, those who support or oppose her candidacy should also reflect on the broader implications for Indian democracy and governance.