Panaji, Jun 23 (IBNS): Educationist Pandurang Nadkarni, who courted controversy over his alleged fake educational qualifications, has withdrawn from the race for State Information Commissioner.

In a letter to the Directorate of Information last evening, Nadkarni said he was not interested in the post of Information Commissioner.

“I am now 60 years of age and would like to have a peaceful retired life. I have no interest in the appointment and would not accept the post,” Nadkarni said in the letter.

Nadkarni was recommended for the post by a committee headed by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar but it was strongly objected to by lawyer-activist Aires Rodrigues who complained to Goa Governor B V Wanchoo that Nadkarni did not have the required knowledge and experience of law as required by Section 15 of the Right to Information Act.

After submitting the letter, Nadkarni told reporters that deliberate attempts were made to malign his image and reputation of last several decades.

“There has been hue and cry created in the media over my reported candidature for the post…unfortunately a media trial has been started which has created mental torture and harassment for me and my family,” he further stated in the letter.

Parrikar has strongly reacted to the allegations by Rodrigues.

“The entire selection procedure was transparent. The allegations were irrelevant. I am happy he (Nadkarni) has withdrawn from the race as no ordinary human being would stand such humiliation,” he said.

(Reporting by John Edwards)