Presidential post: Kalam refuses to contest, thanked supporters

APJ Abdul Kalam on Monday issued a statement saying he will not contest against Pranab Mukherjee in the President election. He thanked Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and other political parties for proposing his name.

The former President said he was aware of the developments in the run-up to the elections but had never aspired for a second term as President.

Kalam also conveyed to senior BJP leader L K Advani. Kalam reportedly told Advani his conscience did not permit him to contest the presidential election.

Advani spoke to the Kalam thrice over the issue. BJP was trying hard to persuade him to contest, with Advani deputing his close aide Sudheendra Kulkarni to meet him twice today.

BJP was more in favour of fielding Kalam than former Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma, who is AIADMK Chief J Jayalalithaa and BJD head Naveen Patnaik's choice.

Now this development is expected to lead in a sudden consensus between the parties or a huge shuffle for the country’s highest job.