There were many aspirants from the BJP in the race of Governor. But, Murmu outwitted all to get PM Narendra Modi’s favour. Murmu’s appointment showed Modi Government’s commitment for Odisha. Earlier, Odisha got two Union Ministers although it sent just one BJP MP to Lok Sabha.
Droupadi Murmu, the 58-year-old tribal leader from Mayurbhanj, has replaced Dr. Syed Ahmed, who has been transferred to Manipur to complete the remainder of his term, which ends in 2018. Murmu was elected twice from Rairangpur Assembly constituency on a BJP ticket. She won in 2000 and 2004.
Murmu was the Minister of State with independent charge for Commerce and Transport from March 6, 2000 to August 6, 2002 and Fisheries and Animal Resources Development from August 6, 2002 to May 16, 2004 during the BJP-BJD coalition government in Odisha.