President Droupadi Murmu Calls Her Return to Odisha Assembly a ‘Homecoming’

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday addressed the Odisha Legislative Assembly, describing her return to the House where she once served as an MLA as “a homecoming” and a deeply emotional milestone in her political journey.

“I began my public life in this august House. It taught me many things. I have reached the highest constitutional post in India because of the lessons I learnt here and the blessings of the people of Odisha,” Murmu said, marking her first address to the Assembly since becoming President.

Calling the moment a return to her roots, she thanked the House for shaping her early years in politics. Murmu is the first sitting President to address the state legislature.

She credited the Assembly with strengthening her foundation as a public representative, saying it taught her how to engage with people and present issues effectively. “Without the blessings of Jagannath, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she added.

The President delivered her remarks in the presence of Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Speaker Surama Padhy, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik.

Murmu first entered the Assembly as a BJP MLA from Rairangpur in Mayurbhanj district in 2000, serving as a minister in the BJD–BJP coalition. She won again from Rairangpur in 2009 before losing the 2014 election.

In her speech, she paid tribute to Odisha’s freedom fighters and women leaders, recalling figures such as Veer Surendra Sai, Baji Rout and Laxman Nayak, and honouring pioneers like Rama Devi, Sarala Devi and Malati Devi for their role in the independence movement.

Urging legislators to lead by example, she said: “Your words and deeds in the Assembly and in public will set an example for the people. You should be extremely careful in this regard.”

Murmu also praised Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, saying he has undertaken “a lot of important work” for the state in a short time. She highlighted Odisha’s strong potential for growth, citing its natural resources, long coastline and agricultural strength.