Kolkata, June 18 (ANI): With former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam deciding not to contest the presidential poll against UPA nominee Pranab Mukherjee, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay on Monday said that his party chief Mamata Banerjee will take an appropriate decision at the appropriate time over the future strategy.
"We are naturally little bit informed or it is confirmed now that Abdul Kalamji has declined to contest, but still there are few days left, we will wait. And at the appropriate time our leader Mamata Banerjee in consultation with her party will take an appropriate decision at the appropriate time that what Trinamool Congress is going to do in future," he said.
Bandyopadhyay further said the TMC felt that Dr. Kalam was the best choice for the presidential candidate, who could have led the country with very efficiency.
"When our leader announced the name of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam as the presidential candidate. We thought that it was the best choice, Abdul Kalam could have emerged as the best presidential candidate and best President of the country, who could have led the country with very efficiency, with transparency, keeping the head of India high," he said.
Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, who has been estranged from the UPA since last week over the election for President of India, held a meeting with her party leaders here to decide on the future strategy.
In a rebuff to Mamata Banerjee and BJP, Dr. Kalam earlier today announced that he would not contest the presidential poll.
Dr. Kalam earlier today said he never aspired to serve another term or show interest in contesting the election for the coveted post against UPA nominee and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
"You are aware of the developments in the run up of the presidential election. Though I have never aspired to serve another term or show interest in contesting the election, Madam Mamata Banerjee and other political parties wanted me to be their candidates, many citizens also expressed the same wish. It only reflects their love and affection for me and the aspiration of the people," said Dr. Kalam in a statement.
"I am really overwhelmed by this support. This being their wish, I respect it. I want to thank them for the trust they have in me. I have considered the totality of the matter and present political situation and decided not to contest the presidential election 2012," he added.
Dr Kalam has allegedly conveyed this to senior BJP leader LK Advani, who phoned him this morning before sending his emissary Sudheendra Kulkarni to him.
Abdul Kalam served as the 11th President of India, succeeding K. R. Narayanan. He won the 2002 presidential election with an electoral vote of 922,884, surpassing 107,366 votes won by Lakshmi Sahgal. He served from July 25, 2002 to July 24, 2007.
Kalam was succeeded by Pratibha Devisingh Patil, whose term as President of India ends on July 24. (ANI)
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