kalam not to contest presidential poll

This India news posted by TeluguDB on 18 June, 2012

The upcoming presidential poll got another twist, as Former President APJ Abdul Kalam on Monday refused to contest against the Fiance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in the Presidential election.

In a statement, Kalam Said he has never aspired to serve a another term (as President). He thanked Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her faith in him. Kalam also said I have considered the totality of the matter and the present political situation and decided not to contest the 2012 presidential poll, sources said.

BJP senior leader LK Advani called Kalam thrice to convince him to be the Opposition’s common candidate against the UPA’s nominee, sources said. BJP leader Sudheendra Kulkarni also met Kalam twice today.

Mamata Banerjee, who proposed the Kalam’s candidature for the top post, must be upset with the Kalam’s announcement, sources said. Mamata Benrjee has proposed three names, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Somnath Chatterjee for the Presidential poll. Presidential Election is scheduled to held on July 19th.