He anwsered critics over the delay in deciding on the mercy plea of Afzal Guru, who was on the death row after he was convicted of the terror attack on Parliament, saying he had not received any papers from the government. Guru was subsequently hanged.
Kalam also faced criticism over his assent from abroad to the controversial decision to impose President's rule in Bihar in 2005. He, however, sought to dismiss the criticism, saying he has no regrets.
Kalam on one occasion showed that he too was not a rubber stamp-like Constitutional head by refusing to approve the Office-of-Profit Bill. It was an unexpected response that sent tremors across the political establishment, especially the ruling Congress and its leftist allies.
The next day, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was left to explain the matter to the President and somehow get his consent for the Prevention of Disqualification (Amendment) Bill 2006.
Known for his unique interactive skills, Kalam made it a point to involve students in his speeches and lectures irrespective of their age-group.
