former President A P J Abdul Kalam on Monday announced that he would
not contest the Presidential poll against UPA nominee Pranab
Mukherjee.
Issuing a formal announcement, he said he had taken the decision after
considering "the totality of this matter and the present political
situation".
Mr. Kalam, who was propped up by Trinamool as a nominee for the
Presidential poll to be held on July 19, 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 Ms. Banerjee pushed his candidature, breaking ranks with UPA
over the issue, the BJP also tried hard to persuade him to contest as
Opposition's common candidate againstMr. Mukherjee.
BJP leader L K Advani calledhim thrice and sent his close aide
Sudheendra Kulkarni twice to convince him. However, he made clear to
Mr. Advani that his "conscience" is not permitting him to contest,
sources said.
The former President has been insisting that he could consider
entering thefray only if there was surety about his victory.
Several opposition leaders talked to Mr. Kalam over phone yesterday to
know about his plans.
BJP was more in favour of fielding Kalam than former Lok Sabha Speaker
P A Sangma, who is AIADMK Chief J Jayalalithaa and BJD head Naveen
Patnaik's choice.
Even JD(U), which wants a consensus for Mr. Mukherjee, may support Mr.
Kalam as he shares a good equation with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish
Kumar.
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