Dr. Kalam certainly is in no desperation for a second term. He made his stand already and has never indicated so anytime in the recent past. What made him change his mind is nothing but people's support that was echoed in many private news channels. That is the only reason he changed his stand and agreed to the offer. However he wanted his candidature to be based on consensus rather than an indecent political contest. When he was sure that wasnt goin to happen, he backed out. I dont find any reason to doubt his sincereity in serving the nation. He only wanted to protect the sanctity of his office. He has redefined presidency in the last few years like never before. He connected with people at all levels. He charted out plans to raise the standards of life in rural India. He inspired lakhs of students by encouraging them to dream of a new India. His vision of a developed India by 2020 deserves nothing but our commendation.
I, like many others, was happy when his name was proposed by the third front. Although I knew that the way he was selected was nothing but a strategic political move, I was desperately hoping that he will be relected. But when he laid down the condition of being the consensus candidate I was disappointed. All I was wondering was why doesnt he want to fight. I later realised that contesting for the top job is just degrading the sanctity of the chair. The battle is political and that is why Kalam turned down the offer when the consensus condition was unlikely to become reality. If on the other hand, he had been ready to fight the election against Mrs.Patil, there is no doubt about his winning the election. With NDA's support and a small percent of cross-voting (which is very likely given his stature and integrity), he would have won the election. But he didnt want to get elected that way.
His decision to hail Mrs. Patil's nomination and then later express the wish for a second term has been critcised by many. Ofcourse, he praised Mrs.Patil's nomination as a fantastic move. That only strengthens the argument that he wasnt interested in chair. And the only reason he accepted the offer because of the pressure pouring in from different quarters.
While I can accept that the parties are free to make their strategic moves to win the election which they deem prestigous, I cannot accept the way they used Dr.Kalam as a bait. A lot of comments from the top political leaders were simply uncalled for. In many public forums and websites, people have been commenting against his integrity. I am sure that a lot of Indians supporting Dr.Kalam would have felt hurt.
Dr.Kalam is a good man. He has spent his entire life trying to fulfil his dreams. And now he is encouraging others to dream of a developed India by 2020. If you cannot lend him you support atleast let him live in peace.
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