Kalam fans launch campaign to extend tenure

NEW DELHI: President A P J Abdul Kalam's fans have launched an online campaign to support extension of his tenure for another five years even as Congress and BJP remain divided over the fate of his next term.

Kalam completes his presidential tenure on July 25 next year.

This is the first time a scientist-turned-president is gaining more popularity than the politicians as more than 54,000 people have already signed the petition online seeking extension of his tenure.

Asserting that India needs the leadership of Kalam with his vision, many petitioners have praised the "way he drives kids to achieve their dreams and work for India and all of us need somebody like him to guide us.”

"He provides us the hope that there is somebody in our government who is educated and not corrupt. Until now politics has not been a field of consideration for the youngsters but his presence will definitely make them think about it," they say.

Others say, "we want you (Kalam) to make your vision 2020 come true."

One can participate in the campaign by logging in to the website www.onlinepetition/apj.com which is managed by Prime Point Foundation, a Chennai based NGO engaged in promoting communication awareness.

While Congress has ruled out support for the next term for the President, BJP has backed the candidature of the first citizen of India.