But Abdullah thanks Mamata for offering him the candidature
Former Parliamentarian and Jammu & Kashmir National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said he would not join the Presidential poll race as the joint Opposition candidate claiming J&K was passing through a critical juncture and his people needed him.
Thanking Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for proposing his name as a joint Opposition candidate for the office of President of India, Farooq in a written statement said, “I have taken a few days to discuss this unexpected development with my family and senior colleagues. I believe that Jammu & Kashmir is passing through a critical juncture and my efforts are required to help navigate these uncertain times.
I have a lot more active politics ahead of me and look forward to making a positive contribution in the service of J&K and the country.
Therefore, I would like to respectfully withdraw my name from consideration and I look forward to supporting the joint Opposition consensus candidate.”
Farooq also made mention of other Opposition leaders for offering their support to him at this stage. “I’m very grateful to Mamata didi for proposing my name. I’m also grateful to all the senior leaders who offered me their support. I am deeply touched by the support that I’ve received & honoured to have been considered for the highest office in the country,” he said in a statement released to the press.