The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed A.P.J.M. Sheik Saleem, grandnephew of former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, as the party's national council member. Ramanathapuram district president of BJP K. Muraleedharan said the party, in a recent communication, informed that Saleem had been elevated to the new post. Saleem, who had joined the party in November last in the presence of party president Amit Shah, said he was happy to serve on the council. The party has recognized his services and he would work towards removing the misconception that the BJP was against Muslim minority