Droupadi Murmu becomes first President to address Odisha Assembly

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the Odisha Legislative Assembly on Thursday, returning to the House where she began her career as a legislator in 2000. Members of the Assembly welcomed her during the session.

“I feel nostalgic returning to the House that laid the foundation of my journey,” said Murmu, who on Thursday became the first President to address the Odisha Assembly. She had earlier addressed State Assemblies in Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra.

“I have addressed many State Assemblies and national assemblies in other countries. However, my presence in the Odisha Assembly carries lots of meaning. I had asked many questions as an MLA and replied to questions as a minister in the House,” she said.

Calling upon lawmakers to work in unity to make Odisha a developed and prosperous State, Ms. Murmu reminded them that people watch Assembly proceedings online and urged members to maintain dignity in the House.

She began her legislative career in 2000 along with present Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. In 2007, she was adjudged the best legislator, the first woman MLA from Odisha to receive the honour.

During her visit, Ms. Murmu stopped by room no. 11, which she had occupied as a minister. The room was specially decorated to welcome her. She also lauded several recent initiatives of the State Government, including the paperless Assembly, the Subhadra scheme for women’s empowerment, and the provision of an additional Rs. 800 per quintal as an input subsidy over and above the minimum support price for paddy.

Highlighting Odisha’s vast mineral wealth, she said, “Odisha is endowed with rich mineral reserves. There is no reason why it cannot become one of the most developed States in the country.”

Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati described the President’s visit as a homecoming. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, Speaker Surama Padhy and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik recalled Ms. Murmu’s early years in the House. They hailed her rise from a tribal girl from a remote village to the highest constitutional office of the country as deeply inspiring. The President received a ceremonial welcome on the Assembly campus. Union Ministers, Members of Parliament and former MLAs attended the session.