Baichung to continue politics even if faces defeat

EOI, Kurseong: Bhaichung Bhutia, the Trinamool Congress candidate from Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency, is confident of clinching victory in the 16th general election. The voting for the constituency has already been completed on April 17 and the result is scheduled come out on May 16.

The former captain of the Indian football team, Bhutia had suddenly and surprisingly made his foray into politics as the TMC candidate for Darjeeling LS constituency.

Whatever be the result of the poll, the erstwhile footballer will not be quitting politics which he clarified in some of his recent interviews. When asked by reporters recently in Darjeeling, Baichung said he is sure of a resounding victory from the constituency but if he faces defeat, he will not cease to continue his political work for the interest of the people and his party.

Baichung further said if the people of the constituency give him the opportunity to represent them at Parliament, he will ceaselessly strive to intensify the development process in Darjeeling hills.  

When asked about the opposition’s allegations that he knows a little or nothing about politics, Bhutia replied that one is not born an expert but learns things gradually.

Importantly, as much as 13 candidates from various parties have contested the election from the concerned constituency in the ongoing general poll. But political observers feel amongst them only two candidates, BJP’s SS Ahluwalia supported by the GJM and the TMC’s Bhaichung Bhutia, supported by GNLF, are the front-running contenders to clinch victory. The other major candidate who may also make an impact is an independent candidate Dr Mahendra P Lama but the real picture will only unfold on 16 May.