Former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal put an end to the speculation that he is in the race to become the country’s next President on Wednesday.
When he was asked about his name was doing the rounds as a probable NDA contender for the President’s post, the veteran Akali leader dismissed it saying as merely a ‘rumour.’
The 90-year-old Badal added, “My health does not allow me … (to take up responsibility of the highest office)”.
Earlier, in his home constituency Lambi, Badal was heard saying, “I have listened to rumours about my name, but there is no truth. I want to serve my own state till I am alive and moreover, I am not keen for this post (President)”.
Badal, a five-time chief minister also hinted in Chandigarh that he may not attend the budget session of the Punjab assembly. It will commence in Punjab’s capital city tomorrow. Badal is not keeping well these days.