Farooq Abdullah said he discussed this “unexpected” development with senior colleagues in his party and family.
Highlight
- Farooq Abdullah withdraws as joint opposition candidate for presidential election
- Abdullah’s name was proposed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the presidential election.
- He wanted to focus on helping J&K in difficult times
presidential election: National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah on Saturday withdrew his name for consideration as a joint opposition candidate for the presidential election, saying he would like to contribute in navigating Jammu and Kashmir which is “passing through a turning point”. .
Abdullah, however, thanked opposition leaders for proposing his name as his candidate for next month’s elections.
In a statement issued by his party, the Lok Sabha member said he felt honored that his name was proposed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as a possible joint opposition candidate for the post of President of India. “After Mamata didi proposed my name, I have received several calls from opposition leaders offering their support for my candidature,” Abdullah said in a statement.
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He said he discussed this “unexpected” development with senior colleagues in his party and family. “I am deeply impressed by the support I have received and honored with for the highest post in the country. I believe that Jammu and Kashmir is passing through a turning point and needs to be navigated through these uncertain times. I need my efforts to help you,” he said.
The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said he believes he has ‘much more active politics ahead of me and looks forward to making a positive contribution to the service of Jammu and Kashmir and the country’.
Expressing gratitude to Banerjee and all senior leaders who offered her support, the NC statement said, “Therefore, I respectfully withdraw my name from consideration and I look forward to supporting the United Opposition’s candidate.”
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