Presidential polls: NC chief Farooq Abdullah takes back his name for joint oppn candidate

New Delhi: 

National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said he withdrew his name from the list of candidates for Presidential polls citing that he needed to help ‘navigate’ the uncertain times in Jammu and Kashmir. 

“I withdraw my name from consideration as a possible joint opposition candidate for the President of India. I believe that Jammu and Kashmir is passing through a critical juncture and my efforts are required to help navigate these uncertain times,” said NC chief Farooq Abdullah. 

While thanking the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other Opposition leaders to consider his name, he said, “I’ve a lot more active politics ahead of me and look forward to making a positive contribution in the service of Jammu and Kashmir and the country. I’m grateful to Mamata didi for proposing my name. I’m also grateful to all the senior leaders who offered me their support.” 

Ahead of the Presidential polls scheduled on July 18, Banerjee had called for the Opposition party meeting to nominate joint candidate to field against the Narendra Modi-led NDA government in the Centre. Members of nearly 17 Opposition party attended the meeting. 

Earlier, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar had turned down the offer of Banerjee to fight Presidential polls. The names of Abdullah and Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson and former Bengal governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi were also doing the rounds for the candidature. 

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