By Sarat Paikray
Bhubaneswar: In a rare and historic moment, President Droupadi Murmu will briefly become a “minister” again—symbolically—during her visit to the Odisha Assembly today. Extensive preparations have been made by the Assembly to welcome the President, who will be delivering her maiden address in the House. This is the first time in the history of the Odisha Assembly that a President of India will deliver a speech in Assembly.
President Murmu is scheduled to land in Bhubaneswar at 2 PM today in a special Indian Air Force aircraft. From the airport, she will proceed directly to Raj Bhavan, where she will inaugurate the newly built Kalinga Residence. She will then reach the Odisha Assembly at 4:20 PM, where she will receive a ceremonial Guard of Honour before delivering her address from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
An emotional highlight of the day will be President Murmu’s visit to the chamber she once used as a minister. The Assembly has specially decorated the chamber, adding new guest chairs while retaining the original wooden furniture. The President is expected to sit in her former chair, rekindling memories of her days as a member of the House.
Before becoming the President of India, Droupadi Murmu served as a two-time MLA from Rairangpur (Mayurbhanj) in 2000 and 2009, representing the BJP. During the BJD–BJP coalition government led by Naveen Patnaik, she held key portfolios—first as Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Commerce and Transport, and later as Minister of Fisheries and Animal Resources (2002–2004). Like all ministers, she was allotted a dedicated chamber in the Assembly, where she conducted her official work.
Today’s visit will allow President Murmu to walk down memory lane as she revisits the Assembly premises and her former workplace, marking a poignant moment in her journey from a state minister to the highest constitutional office of the nation.
