'Pressure on Kalam to contest'

Chennai, June 16 (IANS) Former president A.P.J Abdul Kalam is under pressure from various political parties and common people across the country to contest the presidential poll irrespective of the result, said a source close to Kalam.

"There is lots of pressure from various quarters urging Kalam to contest in the forthcoming presidential elections. Apart from Trinamool Congress leader Mamta Banerjee, there have been calls from small political parties urging him to contest," the source told IANS.

"We are not able to answer concerned callers as to why Kalam is not in the election ring," the source added.

According to the source, around 1,000 letters, and 3,000 emails have been received in support of Kalam's candidature.

"Kalam is keeping an open mind till now and may formally make a statement soon on the issue," the source added.