The term of President of India Pranab Mukherjee will come to an end in July 2017. So, BJP has already begun the exercise to find the next President. As of now, Four Names have been under consideration.But Insiders say it will be the RSS who will be deciding the next president.
Murali Manohar Joshi (83): This name has been under consideration ever since BJP came to power in the centre. Joshi has been associated with RSS since 1944. He became BJP President in 1991. He conducted Ekta Yatra from Srinagar to Kanyakumari in 1992. He was hailed for hoisting Nation Flag at Lal Chowk on Republic Day.
He Played a very active role in Ayodhya movement seeking construction of Ram Mandhir. He spent 19 months in prison during Indira Gandhi’s emergency in 1975. He worked as Union Minister in Vajpayee’s regime. Sumithra Mahajan (74): She is the present Lok Sabha Speaker is in race for President of India. She got elected from Indore Lok Sabha constituency as many as 8 times. Even she have good relations with RSS.
Draupadi Murmu (59): She is the first woman Governor of Jharkhand hails from Odisha. She is a tribal and actively participated in social service for 20 years. In 1997, She made her political entry and got elected as councillor. Thereafter, She entered Odisha Assembly as an MLA and also took the award of ‘Best Legislator’. So far, No tribal has served as President of India. She would create history if BJP prefers her to replace Pranab.
Sushma Swaraj (65): She has been obedient to the party and a well respected leader having good ties with all the political parties. Two reasons behind considering Sushma’s name for President post – Good Performance as External Affairs Minister & being a Woman. Even Congress wouldn’t be opposing if she was elevated. But, Health Issues were a concern.
