Footballer Bhaichung Bhutia quits TMC, says not associates with any political party

Drawing an end to a prolonged speculation over his approach towards his party, Trinamool Congress, former captain of Indian soccer team, Bhaichung Bhutia on Monday morning took to twitter to announce his separation from the ruling party in West Bengal. “As of today I have officially resigned from the membership and all the official and political posts of All India Trinamool Congress party. I am no longer a member or associated with any political party in India,” Bhutia wrote.

Even though, Bhutia did not reveal his future plans in politics, an immediate tweet following his announcement, by union minister Kiren Rijiju triggered further speculation over new political equations too. “Football icon and former Indian captain Baichung Bhutia's resignation from TMC was expected. He told me he has high regards for Mamata Banerjee but unable to cope with the situation. He desires to do more for Football and Sikkim. My best wishes to Bhaichung for his future endeavor,”Rijiju tweeted.

Hours have passed since the announcement was made; however, Trinamool Congress is yet to react. According to sources in Trinamool Congress, there has been a difference of opinion between the party and Bhutiya for long over TMC’s approach towards the Gorkhaland issue. And the fissure widened with the 104 day strike in Darjeeling followed by violence and consequent deaths there.


Bhutia, who originally hails from Sikkim, had earlier spoke for Gorkhaland also in some meetings in Sikkim. Bhutia, is now apparently looking at a bigger political role in Sikkim. A TMC leader said that Bhutia informed the leaders of TMC about his decision almost a month back.