Grand nephew of Kalam resigns from BJP

A P J Abdul Kalam's grand nephew today resigned from the BJP, upset over "failure" of the Modi government to convert the residence occupied by the former President into a knowledge centre.

A P J Syed Haja Ibrahim, who had joined BJP in 2012, resigned as Vice President of the minority wing of Tamil Nadu unit of BJP and the party's primary membership.

"It (setting up a knowledge centre) was the wish of not only the former President, but the entire nation. I am resigning my post as this centre has not been set up despite repeated requests. I am also resigning from the primary membership of BJP," he told PTI.

The No 10 Rajaji Marg bungalow in Delhi, occupied by Kalam till his death in July, has been allotted to Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma, a move which had drawn flak from various quarters. Delhi's ruling AAP had also criticised the government decision.

Coming out with a press statement, Ibrahim said the act of the BJP government in not converting the bungalow into a knowledge centre, disregarding the overall demand of the people, was 'disheartening'.

He said after Kalam's demise, his family and the general public had requested the Central government to convert his house in Delhi as 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 A.P.J 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."

Ibrahim further said that the BJP, in which he took part in serving 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.A.P.J Abdul Kalam forced me to resign from the leadership position and basic membership of BJP," he said.

Ibrahim said he has submitted his resignation letter to the state head of BJP. He said he would continue with his public services along with his friends, as per the advise of Kalam, for the betterment of the state and nation.