Draupadi Murmu has been announced as the BJP-led NDA’s presidential candidate. Earlier, she had been the governor of Jharkhand and a minister in the Odisha cabinet under Naveen Patnaik. If she wins, she would be the first female tribal candidate and 16th president of the country. While, Former Minister of Finance and External Affairs Yashwant Sinha has been pitted against Murmu as the joint candidate of the opposition parties.
Earlier, the Election Commission had announced the schedule for the election of the President on 9th June 2022. President Ram Nath Kovind’s five-year term ends on the 25th of July.
President of India
The President is the head of state in India. He/she is considered the first citizen of the country. He acts on the advice of the (Council of Minister). According to Article 60 of the Constitution, the primary duty of the president is to uphold, defend, and preserve the Indian constitution and the law. The president appoints the Chief Justice of India and other judges on the advice of the chief justice.
Election Process for the President
The President is elected by the elected representatives of the Parliament and the State Legislature. The electoral college elects the President of India and the representation of its members is proportionate. The term of the President is 5 years and no law can be implemented in India without the President’s signature.
Let’s take a look at the list of Presidents India had, their tenure and achievements.
Ramnath Kovind (25th July,2017- present)
Ramnath Kovind was born on October 1, 1945 in Uttar Pradesh, India. He’s an advocate and politician and is the 14th President. He was also the former governor of Bihar.
Pranab Mukherjee (25 July,2012- 25 July, 2017)
He was the former Finance minister in the Central government. He was awarded as the best Member of Parliament in 1997 and was given Padma Vibhushan in 2008.
Pratibha Devisingh Patil ( 25 July,2007- 25 July,2012)
Pratibha Patil was the first Woman President of India. Earlier she was the governor of Rajasthan. She was a part of Maharashtra assembly for five times from 1962-1985. She was also the first President who has piloted Sukhoi Fighter Jets.
Dr. A P.J. Abdul Kalam ( 25 july, 2002- 25 July,2007)
Dr. Kalam was known as the Missile Man of India. He was the first ever scientist to hold the President seat and was also the first ever President to win with the highest margin. Under his direction Rohini- 1 Satellite, Agni and Prithvi Missiles were tested successfully. He was also an important part of the Nuclear tests conducted in 1974 and 1998. He was awarded with Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of India.
K.R. Narayanan (25 July,1997- 25 July,2002)
He was India’s first President belonging to the SC community. He was also the first Keralite to hold the post of President.
Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma( 25 July,1992- 25 July, 1997)
Before being the president, he was India’s 8th Vice President of India. He was the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh from 1952- 56 and Cabinet Minister from 1956- 67. Due to multiple achievements in his legal profession, the International Bar Association awarded him ” living legend of law award recognition”.
R.Venkataraman (25 July, 1987- 25 July,1992)
R.Venkataraman was the former Vice- President of India from 1984-87. He was a lawyer, a freedom fighter and a great politician. He administered the oath of office to most Prime Ministers during his presidency.
Giani zail Singh (25 July,1982- 25 July, 1987)
He was the first Sikh President of India. Before holding the chair for the president, he was elected as the Chief Minister of Punjab and cabinet minister.
Neelam Sanjiva Reddy ( 25 July,1977- 25 July, 1982)
He was the 6th President of India. He was also the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
Dr. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmad( 24 Aug,1974- 11 Feb,1977)
Dr. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmad was the fifth president of India. He was an Indian lawyer and politician He was the second President who died in the office of the President.
V.V.Giri (24 Aug, 1969- 24 Aug, 1974)
V.V. Giri was the fourth President of India. His full name was Varahagiri Venkatagiri. He had previously been the acting President of India and was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1975.
Dr. Zakir Hussain ( 13 May,1967- 3 May,1969)
Dr. Zakir Hussain became the first Muslim President of India and he died while in office. He was an Indian economist and politician and also a famous tabla player.
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan ( 13 May,1962- 13 May,1967)
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was an Indian philosopher and statesman who served as the second president of India from 1962 to 1967. He was also the first vice-president of India from 1952 to 1962. Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on 5 September 1888 and this day is celebrated as Teacher’s Day. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1954.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad ( 26 Jan,1950- 13 May,1962)
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India. He was the only President of India, who served as the President for two terms. He was also the President of the Constituent Assembly and a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1962.
