Presidential poll: Omar Abdullah welcomes Pranab Mukherjee's nomination

SRINAGAR: Welcoming nomination of Pranab Mukherjee as UPA's presidential candidate, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today hoped former president A P J Abdul Kalam decides against contesting and does not fall prey to "petty politics".

"Congratulations to Pranab Da. I have no doubt he will make an excellent President and I'm pleased to have been able to commit (National Conference) NC's support," Omar wrote on micro-blogging site twitter.com.

"For what it's worth I hope former President Kalam does not fall prey to the petty politics being played out. I hope he doesn't contest," he said.

Expressing surprise over the stance taken by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Omar said "how on earth will Mamata explain opposing a Bengali for President?"