Sorry, says Kalam to Mamata over President poll

New Delhi: Former president APJ Abdul Kalam on Tuesday said "sorry" to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not contesting the Presidential poll despite intense pressure from the Trinamool Congress supremo.

In a letter, Kalam appreciated Mamata's efforts and her "great leadership quality", saying "your courage and determination to sacrifice golden political throne, is indeed graceful politics."

The letter which was posted on Facebook mentions Kalam saying, "I am extremely sorry for the disappointment I have caused to you."

In a response, Mamata said, \"We Indians are proud of you, for your personality and achievements in the country."

In a response, Mamata too lauded Kalam's achievements and said, "We Indians are proud of you, for your personality and achievements in the country and the world.”

Here is full text of the letter from APJ Abdul Kalam to Mamata Banerjee:

APJ Abdul Kalam

Dear and respected Mamataji,

May I thank you for proposing my name for the Presidential Election 2012 and all your ceaseless efforts,

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.

I am extremely sorry for the disappointment I have caused to you.

With Kind regards,

Yours sincerely,

APJ Abdul Kalam

Here is the full text of the letter from Mamata Banerjee to APJ Abdul Kalam:

Mamata Banerjee

Respected Sir,

I am deeply touched, obliged and overwhelmed with the sentiments expressed in your letter dated 19th June, 2012. 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.

I always maintain courage which stems from my struggle for the cause of the common people. Kindly give us your blessings as friend, philospher and guide for this country.

With regards,

Yours sincerely,

Mamata Banerjee

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