Kalam statement: Why he won’t contest
June 18th, 2012 - 5:49 pm ICT by IANS
New Delhi, June 18 (IANS) Former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam issued the following statement Monday explaining why he won’t contest the presidential election:
“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, other political parties wanted me to be their 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. This being their wish, I respect it. I want to thank them for the trust they have in me.
“I have considered the totality of the matter and the present political situation, and decided not to contest the presidential election 2012.”
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- Kalam out of presidential fight, BJP, Mamata red-faced (Intro Roundup) - Jun 19, 2012
- Congress hails Kalam's decision, seeks Mamata's support - Jun 18, 2012
- Kalam not to contest presidential election (Lead) - Jun 18, 2012
- Mamata sends 'advance congratulations' to Kalam (Lead) - Jun 15, 2012
- Will decide on presidential poll at right time: Kalam - Jun 15, 2012
- Graft eroding public trust in politicians: Mamata - Jun 19, 2012
- Kalam hails Mamata's leadership qualities, honesty - Jun 19, 2012
- Congress MP mocks Mamata over Kalam's backout - Jun 18, 2012
- Ready to leave government if unwanted: Trinamool (Lead) - Jun 18, 2012
- Kalam should not contest presidential poll: Somnath - Jun 16, 2012
- Kalam congratulates Mukherjee - Jul 23, 2012
- Mamata logs on to Facebook to canvass for Kalam - Jun 16, 2012
- 'Pressure on Kalam to contest' - Jun 16, 2012
Tags: abdul kalam, aspiration, citizens, former president, love and affection, mamata, New Delhi, political parties, political situation, presidential election, totality