Farooq Abdullah, like Sharad Pawar, has declined the option to be the Opposition’s joint presidential candidate.
Farooq Abdullah, chairman of the National Conference, declined the opportunity to be the Opposition’s presidential candidate on Saturday, saying he would instead contribute to Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement, the Lok Sabha MP said he was honored that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee nominated him as a prospective joint Opposition candidate, but he withdrew his name from consideration.
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, “Therefore I would like to respectfully withdraw my name from consideration and I look forward to supporting the joint opposition consensus candidate.”
The withdrawal of the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister comes only days after Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chairman Sharad Pawar declined the chance to run for the top job.
Sharad Pawar’s name was suggested by representatives of 17 Opposition parties, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and Shiv Sena, at a conference in New Delhi.
“I sincerely thank the leaders of the Opposition parties for submitting my name as a candidate for President of India. However, I would like to add that I have respectfully declined the suggestion,” Pawar tweeted following the meeting.
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