Moneylife » Economy & Nation » Politics » Kalam refuses to get into Presidential race
Kalam refuses to get into Presidential race
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| 18/06/2012 01:08 PM |
Many citizens have expressed the wish which only reflects their love and affection for me and the aspiration of the people, but after considering present political situation, I decided not to contest the Presidential election, Dr Kalam said
New Delhi: In a rebuff to Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on Moday announced that he would not contest the Presidential poll against United Progressive Alliance (UPA) nominee Pranab Mukherjee, reports PTI.
Issuing a formal announcement, he said he had taken the decision after considering "the totality of this matter and the present political situation".
Dr Kalam, who was propped up by Trinamool as a nominee for the Presidential poll to be held on 19th July, said, "though I have never aspired to serve another term or shown interest in contesting the elections", Mamata Banerjee and other political parties "wanted me" to be the candidate.
"Many, many citizens have also expressed the same wish. It only reflects their love and affection for me and the aspiration of the people. I am really overwhelmed by this support," his statement said.
"This being their wish, I respect it. I want to thank them for the trust they have in me," he said, adding, "I have considered the totality of this matter and the present political situation, and decided not to contest the Presidential election 2012."
After Mamata pushed his candidature, breaking ranks with UPA over the issue, BJP also tried hard to persuade him to contest as Opposition's common candidate against Mukherjee.
BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani called him thrice and sent his close aide Sudheendra Kulkarni twice to convince him. However, Dr Kalam made clear to Advani that his "conscience" is not permitting him to contest, sources said.
The former President has been insisting that he could consider entering the fray only if there was surety about his victory. Several opposition leaders talked to Dr Kalam over phone yesterday to know about his plans.
BJP was more in favour of fielding Dr Kalam than former Lok Sabha Speaker PA Sangma, who is AIADMK Chief J Jayalalithaa and BJD head Naveen Patnaik's choice.
Even JD(U), which wants a consensus for Mukherjee, may support Dr Kalam as he shares a good equation with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
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nagesh kini 11 months ago
Anna Hazare in disbanding his so-called Team Anna by disassociating his movement from the politically greedy lot did the best thing after Dr. Kalam rightly choosing to opt out of the presidential race.
Goes to prove that there is still some sanity left!
Justin P 1 year ago
People are eagerly waiting for 2014 elections to throw this Congress out.
indian 1 year ago in reply to Justin P
it will be hung parl in 2014 and many more afterwards, until someone (anna,ramdev,etc) decide to float a new party and insert clean patriotic brave honest people into the party while themselves staying away from the political chairs (there are plenty of great ppl around but they never get support from india ppl who sell their country (vote) for a Rs 500 note or alcohol or freebies). jai ho !
Nagesh Kini FCA 1 year ago
It is those fearing exposure seek to preempt by just attacking the CAG or the Judiciary for "overreach".
Sharad Pawar is the latest of the neta-mantri to come out with his opposition openly.
Yes, there is an urgent need to revisit the laws and practices which call for an urgent review.The sooner it is brought about the better it is.
The PM's statement needs to be translated into effective action.