July 15, 2022
2 mins read

Setback for Sinha as JMM backs Murmu

Sinha was banking on the JMM because he hails from Jharkhand and had represented the state in the Lok Sabha for many years…reports Asian Lite News

Just three days ahead of the Presidential election scheduled on July 18, the joint opposition nominee for the top post, Yashwant Sinha, faced a major setback after the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) officially announced its support for NDA Candidate Draupadi Murmu.

The announcement came close on the heels of Shiv Sena declaring support for Murmu.

The JMM issued a statement signed by its founder Shibu Soren, which said that after Independence, this is the first time that a tribal woman is contesting for the top Constitutional post and all the MPs and MLAs of the party will vote for Murmu.

The announcement came as a setback for Sinha, who was banking on the JMM because he hails from Jharkhand and had represented the state in the Lok Sabha for many years.

The Shiv Sena had on Tuesday announced that it will support NDA’s Presidential candidate Draupadi Murmu.

Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray made the formal announcement after a series of consultations with the party MPs, MLAs and other leaders, including tribals.

“There have been absolutely no pressures from the MPs, as claimed in the media. However, many Sena leaders and office-bearers from tribal communities have requested us we take a decision to support Draupadi Murmu for the President’s post,” Thackeray said.

Sinha questions Murmu’s silence

Yashwant Sinha on Thursday questioned NDA nominee Draupadi Murmu’s silence on issues concerning the tribal community in the country.

Addressing a press conference here at a hotel, Sinha called Murmu a ‘silent’ and ‘rubber stamp’ candidate for the Presidential election.

“I have great regards for Draupadi Murmu. However, so far, she has not broken her silence even on issues concerning the tribal communities in India. Hence, my question is to members of the electoral college, and also to the people of the county — should India have a silent and rubber-stamp Rashtrapati?” Sinha said.

He further stated that there is nothing wrong if MLAs and MPs vote for a candidate of his or her choice in the Presidential election.

“The makers of the constitution have devised the method of the secret ballot to underscore the fact that the members of the Electoral College should have freedom to heed the call of their conscience, and should not blindly follow the decision of their respective parties.

“Therefore, I too urge MPs and MLAs, regardless of their party affiliations, to vote for me. But I strongly condemn the dirty tricks employed by the ruling party…. My fight is against anarchism and to protect the democracy of the country,” he added.

“Apart from Madhya Pradesh, the BJP dislodged governments in Karnataka, Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, and most recently in Maharashtra. In all this, I hear alarm bells for democracy in India,” Sinha said.

Sinha arrived in Bhopal on Wednesday night to seek support of MPs and MLAs for the upcoming July 18 Presidential elections.

He has left for Delhi on Thursday noon.

ALSO READ-BJP plans grand celebration for Murmu

Previous Story

‘Nothing’ under fire in India

Next Story

RIL and AFI announce partnership to enable holistic growth of athletics

Latest from India News

US Backs India’s Hunt for Pahalgam Terrorists

Gabbard’s “hunt down” message comes amidst escalating Indian response to the terrorist attack, saying it had clear “cross-border” links to Pakistan….reports Asian Lite News Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence (DNI), on

Border Sealed, Hopes on Hold

A Hindu family from Balochistan’s Sibi was reportedly denied entry into India after the closure of border crossing….reports Asian Lite News Pakistan and India’s decision to shut down the Wagah-Attari border crossing

India Praises UAE’s Global AI Benchmark 

Kaustubh Dhavse, Maharashtra CM’s OSD, hailed the UAE’s AI model as a global benchmark driving digital innovation and attracting global talent…reports Asia Lite News Kaustubh Dhavse, Joint Secretary and Officer on Special

India, Saudi Hold Inaugural Army Staff Talks 

A key highlight of the talks was the exploration of collaboration in operational logistics, battlefield management systems, and niche technologies.  The inaugural Army-to-Army Staff Talks (AAST) between the Indian Army and the

Wagah Busy with Exiting Visitors

After the sudden developments, at the Attari-Wagah Border, the stream of Pakistani tourists was observed seeking urgent clarity and assistance….reports Asian Lite News Following the horrific terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s
Go toTop

Don't Miss

 Droupadi Murmu sworn in as 15th President of India

The outgoing President had then escorted Murmu to the Presidential

‘India among fastest growing economies’

The President also talked about the challenges faced during the