Nitish wants second term for Kalam

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar says that Kalam has been advocating investments by the NRIs and big entrepreneurs in the state.

Hailing President APJ Abdul Kalam as India's most popular president and a great statesman who has always tried to change the image of Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday sought a second term for the First Citizen.

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Kumar said Kalam has been advocating investments by the NRIs and big entrepreneurs in the state and has also sought support for setting up the University of Nalanda as a seat of learning, a dream project of the chief minister.

"Different surveys have voted him to be the most popular president. He is liked by all sections of society and is a guiding force for many," Kumar said.

Kumar avoided a direct reply when asked whether the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would make Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat its presidential candidate.

"If a consensus is not reached, the election will take place. But I feel Kalam should be given one more term," the JD (U) leader said.

"If my choice is not accepted by other parties, it will be decided whether Shekhawat should be the candidate or some other person," Kumar added.