Kalam commends Mamata's "courageous and honest leadership"

Kalam said in a letter to Banerjee that "during the short interaction I saw in you a great leadership quality of graceful politics, your firmness for a cause, honesty for the cause of the nation, particularly your courage and determination to sacrifice golden political throne is indeed graceful politics.

"This is indeed the need of the country. It is known that history is written only by courageous leaders," he said in the letter uploaded on Banerjee's Facebook.

The former President thanked Banerjee "for proposing my name for presidental election, 2012, and all your ceaseless efforts" and added "I am extremely sorry for the disappointment I have caused to you."

Thanking Kalam, Banerjee said she was "deeply touched, obliged and overwhelmed" with the sentiments expressed in his letter.

"We Indians are proud of you, for your personal achievements in the country and the world. I feel you are always in the hearts of the people," the TC supremo wrote in her letter.

Seeking his blessings, Banerjee, who described Kalam as a "friend, philosopher and guide for this country", said she always maintained courage which stemmed from her struggle for the cause of the common people.