Setback for Mamata, BJP: Kalam refuses to contest

In a rebuff to Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and the Bharatiya Janata Party, former President A P J Abdul Kalam on Monday announced that he would not contest in the Presidential poll against United Progressive Alliance's 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".

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."

After Mamata pushed his candidature, breaking ranks with the UPA over the issue, BJP also tried hard to persuade him to contest as the Opposition's common candidate against Mukherjee.

BJP leader L K Advani called him thrice and sent his close aide Sudheendra Kulkarni twice to convince him. Kalam made it 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 Kalam over the phone 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 Biju Janata Dal head Naveen Patnaik's choice.

Even the Janata Dal – United, which wants a consensus for Mukherjee, may support Kalam as he shares a good equation with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.