Memorial row: APJ Abdul Kalam's grand nephew quits BJP

New Delhi, Nov 23: Two months after he joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), former President APJ Abdul Kalam's grand nephew on Monday resigned from the outfit. Reportedly, APJM Haja Syed Ibrahim was not happy with the party as he wanted BJP to convert Kalam's official residence-10, Rajaji Marg bungalow into a memorial.

But party didn't oblige Syed Ibrahim and instead handed over the bungalow to controversial Minister Union culture minister Mahesh Sharma.

Syed Ibrahim had joined the BJP in the month of September in the presence of party president Amit Shah. At that time, Ibrahim had heaped praise on the BJP saying that it was only party which could fulfil his uncle's vision.

Ibrahim used to live with People's President Kalam in the Rajaji Marg bungalow till his uncle's last days. He is the grandson of former president's elder brother APJ Marakaiyer.

Controversial Mahesh Sharma

Soon after the death of Kalam, Sharma had stated a controversial statement . He had said that late president A P J Abdul Kalam was a great nationalist "despite" being a Muslim.

"We have renamed Aurangzeb Road after a person, who despite being a Muslim, is a great nationalist...." the Minister told a news channel.

Meanwhile Modi Government has defended its move of handing over bungalow to Mahesh Sharma. Snubbing critics, Government said that as Sharma was the only one who was not allotted any bungalow since BJP came to power last year, so he deserved to get one.

Here is full text of APJM Haja Syed Ibrahim's letter

I joined BJP on 21-07-2012 in the presence of then the state president and current Minister of State Hon. Shri Pon Radakrishanan and the general secretary of the state Shri Mohanrajulu.

I was then appointed as state vice president for the minority wing of BJP. The leadership in the state and central, and basic members of BJP are well aware that I have accomplished my duties painstakingly which was entrusted to me by BJP.

On 27th July, 2015 my uncle and former President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam (84) died due to cardio attack while he was addressing the students at IIM in Shillong.

After which our family and Indian public requested the government of India to convert the house in Delhi where Dr Kalam lived to be National Knowledge Centre.

The sole purpose of converting his house into Knowledge Centre is for Students and Youngsters to learn and to know the farsighted vision of Dr.A.P.J Abdul Kalam, but the Government of India rejected the request and allotted the house to central minister Mahesh Sharma and now he is living there.

The ruling party in the central which I took part in serving the public failed to fulfill the overall demand of the people of India. This act of BJP Government is disheartening to the public, and hence I would like inform through this Press Release that the demand and suggestion I have received from the students & young communities, public and the people who have deepest affection towards Dr APJ Abdul Kalam forced me to resign from the leadership position and basic membership of BJP. I have sent my resignation letter to state head of BJP.

I would be continuing my public services that I have been doing silently together with the friends whom Dr APJ Abdul Kalam pointed to me in private. Our activities will continue as per the advise of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Activities of our friends and myself would definitely be beneficial to the people of all walk of life which includes students, youngsters, young scientists, our activities will be for the betterment of our state and nation. Our way forward will be as routed by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

With regards
APJM Haja Syed Ibrahim

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