Bharatiya Janata Party MP Ram Jethmalani said that he will decide whether to contest Presidential polls or not by the weekend.
u00a0
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ram Jethmalani Tuesday said he will "take a final call" on contesting the presidential election by the weekend.
ADVERTISEMENT
u00a0
Speaking from London, Jethmalani also said that former president APJ Abdul Kalam should again be persuaded to take on Finance Minister and UPA nominee Pranab Mukherjee.
u00a0
He said he will return to New Delhi by this weekend and that is when he will "take a final call" on his earlier announcement to contest next month's presidential election.
u00a0
u00a0
Ram Jethmalani (File pic - Rajeev Tyagi)
Jethmalani said he wanted to contest against Mukherjee because the latter had refused to name the Indians who have stashed away black money abroad.
u00a0
"I oppose Pranab as he refused to reveal the names of those with black money in foreign banks," Jethmalani said.
u00a0
"I'm in London now. As soon as I return, I will decide."
u00a0
Mukherjee was Friday named the United Progressive Alliance candidate for the presidential election.
u00a0
Asked if he had the BJP's support, Jethmalani replied in the affirmative. "But even if nobody supports me, I have no issues."
u00a0
Commenting about Abdul Kalam's pullout from the presidential race, he said: "We can't force him to contest but still we should persuade him to reconsider."
"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels 
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
