NEW DELHI: Former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia launched his own political party “Hamro Sikkim” here Thursday, which will be based out of his native state.
The Indian football legend, who made his entry into politics as a candidate for West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress, was quoted by PTI as having said that he “felt like an outsider” in the party.
PTI quotes Bhutia as having said that even after being part of West Bengal politics and playing for top Bengal clubs for years, he could not get rid of the “outsider” tag and now he had returned to his roots.
“I was dropped from the top in the TMC. Let’s not forget that when I contested from Siliguri, there was an outsider tag on me as well. I played in Bengal for many years, but the tag was always there. My commitment to the TMC was not there. I think it was unfair on my part to be in a party I am not committed to,” he said.
“Now, I am going back. My family, my house, all are in Sikkim. I am the son of the soil. Now, I will be able to commit myself. I think I can contribute much more here,” Bhutia added.
The newswire quotes some political observers as stating that the newly formed party would keep its options open on teaming up with the ruling BJP government at the Centre, though Baichung asserts his first priority would be his party.
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