The Bharatiya Janata Party fired the first shot on Thursday in the battle for next year's Presidential elections by declaring its support to incumbent A P J Abdul Kalam.

Kalam has said he would go back to teaching at the end of his tenure.

Kalam has served the august office with distinction and it would serve the national interest if he continues in the post for another term, BJP president Rajnath Singh told reporters.

The party would be happy to support him, he said.

BJP's open support to Kalam, if he chooses to contest again, may queer the pitch for the ruling United Progressive Alliance, which may like to have its own candidate in the Rashtrapati Bhavan [Images].