Tamil Nadu Elections 2016: Dr APJ Abdul Kalam's grandnephew launches new political party

One of the grandnephews of former president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam has launched a new political party in Tamil Nadu. APJ M Haja Syed Ibrahim has floated the Desiya Jananayaka Katchi (DJK), however, it will not take part in the May 16 Assembly elections.

According to a report in The Hindu, Ibrahim was earlier the vice-president of the BJP Tamil Nadu unit’s minority wing. He quit the BJP in November 2015 in protest against the government's refusal to convert Dr Kalam's house in Delhi into a youth 'Knowledge Centre'. 

Ibrahim unveiled the new party flag on Monday in Rameswaram. At the event, he spoke about how the party had been launched because of a demand raised by students and youngsters. He was quoted as saying, "The party would guide the students and focus on developing the education system and creating job opportunities."

He also said that the party would not use Dr Kalam's name or photo. Though his granduncle had been apolitical, he had encouraged youth to take up politics, stated Ibrahim. The party is set to field candidates in all the 234 constituencies, but Ibrahim said he would not contest.