Dr APJ Abdul Kalam's nephew APJM Haja Syed Ibrahim has quit the BJP as a mark of protest against the Centre for failing to fulfil the demand of converting the former President's residence in Delhi into a knowledge center, and for alloting it to Union Minister Mahesh Sharma instead.
Here is APJM Haja Syed Ibrahim's press statement in full.
I joined BJP on 21-07-2012 in the presence of the then state president and current Minister of State Hon. Shri Pon Radakrishanan and the general secretary of the state Shri Mohanrajulu.
I was then appointed as state vice president for the minority wing of BJP. The leadership in the state and centre, and basic members of BJP are well aware that I have accomplished my duties painstakingly which were entrusted to me by BJP.
On July 27, 2015 my uncle and former President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam (84) died due to cardiac attack while he was addressing the students at IIM in Shillong.
After which our family and Indian public requested the government of India to convert the house in Delhi, where Dr Kalam lived, into a National Knowledge Centre.
The sole purpose of converting his house into Knowledge Centre is for students and youngsters to learn and to know the farsighted vision of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, but the Government of India rejected the request and allotted the house to central minister Mahesh Sharma and now he is living there.
The ruling party in the central government, which I took part in to serve the public, failed to fulfil the overall demand of the people of India.
This act of BJP government is disheartening to the public, and hence I would like inform through this Press Release that the demand and suggestion I have received from the students and young communities, public and the people who have deepest affection towards Dr APJ Abdul Kalam forced me to resign from the leadership position and basic membership of BJP.
I have sent my resignation letter to state head of BJP.
I would be continuing my public services that I have been doing silently together with the friends whom Dr APJ Abdul Kalam pointed to me in private.
Our activities will continue as per the advice of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Activities of our friends & myself would definitely be beneficial to the people from all walks of life which includes students, youngsters, young scientists, and our activities will be for the betterment of our state and nation.
Our way forward will be as routed by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
With regards
APJM Haja Syed Ibrahim
(This press statement has been edited for language errors.)
Correction: An earlier version of this copy mentioned that APJM Haja Syed Ibrahim is the grand nephew of Dr Kalam. He however is the nephew. The correction has been made.