After separatist taunts, Farooq Abdullah withdraws his name
By: Tariq Shah VOV
Srinagar
Once upon a time Dr. Farooq Abdullah was very keen to become the president or at least vice president of India. Even the UPA gave him a cabinet berth of less importance like renewable energy.
The BJP at the Centre has accused the opposition of trying to hand over the country into the hands of Jihadists. The name of Farooq Abdullah, who is also accused of being soft on Pakistan, for the Rashtrapati Bhavan race has created a political furore.
Farooq has been much better both with Congress and BJP in the past for not giving due recognition to his family and himself for the integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the country.
Now the West Bengal Chief Minister Mumta Banerjee had recently said that Farooq Abdullah can be the joint opposition candidate for the presidential polls.
On Saturday Farooq Abdullah withdrew his name for consideration as joint opposition candidate for the presidential elections.
According to the news agencies quoting Farooq Abdullah they said that Farooq withdrew his name. giving reasons he said he would like to contribute in navigating of Jammu and Kashmir which is ” passing through a critical juncture”.
He, however, thanked the opposition leaders for proposing his name as their candidate for the polls next month. In a statement released by his party, the Lok Sabha member said he was honoured that his name was proposed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as a possible joint opposition candidate for the office of President of India. ”Subsequent to Mamata didi proposing my name, I have received a number of calls from opposition leaders offering their support for my candidature,” Abdullah said in a statement.
He said he had discussions with senior colleagues of his party and family about this ” unexpected” development. ”I am deeply touched by the support that I’ve received and honoured to have been considered for the highest office in the country. I believe that Jammu and Kashmir is passing through a critical juncture and my efforts are required to help navigate these uncertain times,” he said.
The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said he believed he has a ”lot more active politics ahead of me and look forward to making a positive contribution in the service of JK and the country”. ”Therefore, I would like to respectfully withdraw my name from consideration and I look forward to supporting the joint opposition consensus candidate,” the NC statement said, conveying his gratitude to Banerjee and all the senior leaders who offered their support.
The process of filing nominations for the presidential election began on June 15. Nominations can be submitted until June 29, and the papers will be scrutinized on June 30. The last day for withdrawal of candidature is July 2. The election will be held on July 18 and result will be declared on July 21.
The term of President Ram Nath Kovind ends on July 24.
With Agencies inputs
