Sharad Yadav aghast at timing of revelations by Kalam

New Delhi, June 30 (ANI): Janata Dal (United) chief Sharad Yadav on Saturday expressed shock over the timing of the revelations from a book by former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in which he has dismissed speculations of being reluctant to appoint Sonia Gandhi as the Prime Minister in 2004.

Yadav, who is also the Convenor of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), said that this was not justified, and added that he never believed in any rumour.

"There were rumours for five years and today, the statement has been given. This is not justified and his name was being used to stop the rumours. I really respect Kalam, but today that has been published in the book. I mean there were several rumours but I never believed all of that," he said.

Yadav said that the truth is also viewed as something that strengthens the democracy, but at the same time expressed apprehension as to why such a thing came to the fore during the presidential election.

"Truth always strengthens the democracy and truth must be spoken at an appropriate time. What came to the fore today, I am very shocked with the timing " he added.

Meanwhile, Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D. Raja, commenting on the revelations made in Dr. Kalam's book said that this was a part of history.

"I read in a couple of newspapers, giving some extracts from the book, which is going to be out after sometime. What has been said and reported, it is all a part of history now. Why, at this point of time, it has become news, because the country is going for presidential elections. Kalam's name was taken by some parties, finally Kalam had to say no. So, in such an atmosphere, these things make news, it is part of history," he said.

Dr. Kalam states in his soon-to-be-released book named 'Turning Points, A Journey Through Challenges', in the chapter titled Controversial Decisions disclosed that if Sonia Gandhi wanted to become PM in 2004, he would have had 'no option but to appoint her'.

He discloses that his office had readied a letter inviting Ms. Gandhi to form the government as Prime Minister but that she surprised him by nominating Manmohan Singh in her place. (ANI)