Kalam Said “NO For Presidential ELECTION”

Former President APJ Abdul Kalam announced that he is not going to participate in Presidential election .His announcement is a big shock to Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. This was the second blow in three days after her short-term friend Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav abandoned her to back Pranab. It now seems that the Trinamool Congress chief is running out of options.

Kalam said, “I have considered the totality of the matter and the present political situation, and decided not to contest the presidential election 2012.” In a briefly he said “My dear friends,you are aware of the developments in the run up to the Presidential election. Though I have never aspired to serve another term or shown interest in contesting the election, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and other political parties wanted me to be their candidate. “ and added “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. This being their wish, I respect it. I want to thank them for the trust they have in me.”

After APJ Abdul Kalam himself ruled out his participation in the Presidential race, for Mamata, who was his most vociferous proponent, there was little to do but go back to political brinkmanship. Kalam’s refusal is a big blow and Mamata wrote on Facebook, “Kalam Saheb…I have seen your statement that you are not contesting. This news has hurt us all deeply.”