Farooq Abdullah turns down opposition's presidential candidate proposal

In a tweet, his party the National conference (JKNCP) said the decision was taken as Jammu and Kashmir is going through a 'critical juncture'.

“I have taken a few days to discuss this unexpected development with my family and senior colleagues. I am deeply touched by the support that I've received & honoured to have been considered for the highest office in the country. I believe that Jammu & Kashmir is passing through a critical juncture and my efforts are required to help navigate these uncertain times,” the statement quoted the 84-year-old leader as saying.

Abdullah further said, “I have a lot more politics ahead of me & look forward to making a positive contribution in the service of J&K and the country. Therefore I would like to respectfully withdraw my name from consideration and look forward to supporting the joint opposition consensus candidate.”

He also said he was honoured that his name was proposed as the consensus candidate of the opposition and that he was ‘very grateful to West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who convened joint opposition meeting on June 15 meeting in New Delhi to discuss the presidential polls.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar was the first choice of the parties, who attended the meeting, but he 'humbly' declined the proposal.

The names of Abdullah and former West Bengal governor and diplomat Gopal Krishna Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, were also proposed.

The opposition parties will next meet in Mumbai on June 20 or 21.

The presidential poll has been slated for July 18 and the counting of votes for presidential elections, if needed, will take place on July 21.