NEW DELHI – Former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Monday announced that he has decided not to contest the presidential election after studying “the totality of the matter”.
In a statement issued here, Kalam said many politicians and others had been pressing him to fight the election next month.
“I am really overwhelmed by the support,” he said. “I have considered the totality of the matter … and decided not to contest the presidential election.”
He said he won’t contest the presidential election after studying the “totality” of the situation, spiking what could have been a high-profile battle with Pranab Mukherjee.
The decision disappointed Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which were keen to pit the former missile scientist who was also India’s head of state from 2002 to 2007.
In a brief statement after days of speculation, Kalam said he was urged to contest by many politicians and other citizens.
“Though I have never aspired to serve another term or shown interest in contesting, Mamata Banerjee, other political parties wanted me to be their candidate,” he said.
“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… This being their wish, I respect it. I want to thank them for the trust they have in me.
