UPA took revenge on Kalam: BJP

Guwahati, Jul 23 (UNI) Alleging that UPA has denigrated the dignity of Presidential post, the BJP today stated that it had taken revenge on Dr A P J Abdul Kalam by denying him a second term.

''The Congress-led UPA took revenge on the former President following the hiccups faced by it to form the government after 2004 elections and his refusal to comply with the UPA's Office of Profit Bill, which sought to protect its elected representatives,'' National BJP leader Harendra Pratap said while speaking to mediapersons here today.

Reiterating that the UPA had maligned the dignity of the country's highest post, Mr Pratap said, ''Presidential poll should be based on consensus and not be politicised. All the intellectuals of the country were in support of Dr Kalam's second term.'' '' Even Dr Kalam had agreed to go for a second term if there was a consensus and Bhairon Singh Shekhawat also said he would not contest if Dr Kalam wished for a second term,'' Mr Pratap said.

'' When there could have been a consensus on the issue, the UPA didn't agree and took the opportunity,'' he stated.

When asked why the NDA filed Mr Shekhawat despite knowing it was contesting a losing battle, the BJP leader quipped,'' Had we not opposed the UPA nominee, history would not have forgiven us.'' He further said the Congress had turned 'anti-minority' by refusing a second term for the former President, who was also a Muslim.

On the third front's decision to abstain from the polls, he said the country would not forgive it for its act.

''It is the duty of every citizen to exercise their francise.

With what guts will the third front seek votes from the people next time,'' he added.

UNI