APJ Abdul Kalam on Tuesday expressed his gratitude to Trinamul Congress chairperson and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee for proposing his name for the presidential election 2012. In a letter to Ms Banerjee, Dr Kalam said that he saw in her a great leadership quality of “graceful politics”. In her reply, Ms Banerjee said that she was deeply touched, obliged and overwhelmed with the sentiments of Dr Kalam. “We Indians are proud of you, for your personality and achievements in the country and the world. Sir, I feel you are always in the hearts of the people,” she added.
Both the letters have been posted in the official page of Ms Banerjee on the social networking site, Facebook. “I have received a letter today from Respected Kalam Saheb which I am posting. I am also posting my reply to Respected Kalam Saheb. I am sharing this information openly with all my brothers and sisters in view of our transparent campaign,” Ms Banerjee posted in Facebook on Tuesday.
This page was launched by Ms Banerjee on Saturday to garner public support for Dr Kalam as the presidential candidate.
Praising Ms Banerjee, Dr Kalam said: “During this short interaction, I saw, in you, a great leadership quality of ‘graceful politics’. Your firmness for a cause, honesty for the cause of the nation, particularly your courage and determination to sacrifice golden political throne, is indeed graceful politics. This is indeed the need of the country. It is known that history is written only by courageous leaders.”
He also apologised for the disappointment he had caused to her by deciding not to contest the presidential election. In her reply, Ms Banerjee said: “I always maintain courage which stems from my struggle for the cause of the common people. Kindly give us your blessings as ‘friend, philosopher and guide’ for this country.”