National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday declined the offer to contest the presidential polls as Opposition’s joint candidate, citing his commitment to the goal of steering Kashmir out of the prevailing situation.
The development came days after NCP chief Sharad Pawar declined the Opposition’s offer to run for President. Gopal Krishna Gandhi and Farooq were two other leaders whose names have been doing the rounds.
Farooq, in a statement, thanked Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee for proposing his name and said he was honoured by the move. He said he had since received a number of calls from Opposition leaders offering their support for his candidature.
“I have taken a few days to discuss this unexpected development with my family and senior colleagues. 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.
“I believe that Jammu and 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,” he added.
Farooq said he respectfully withdrew his name but looked forward to supporting the joint Opposition consensus candidate.
“I am very grateful to Mamata didi for proposing my name. I’m also grateful to all the senior leaders who offered me their support,” he said.
While several Opposition parties favour a joint candidate, the ruling BJP has reached out to parties from both ruling and the Opposition camps for a consensus candidate.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh is believed to have spoken to heads of major parties for the purpose.
Farooq heads the Gupkar Alliance for the restoration of Article 370. He, along with Mehbooba Mufti and CPI(M) veteran Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami are the key faces of the alliance fiercely advocating the restoration of the state’s special status.
Farooq’s son Omar Abdullah, on the other hand, has been less vocal about the demand.