Exclusive: TMC’s Bhaichung Bhutia Calls Modi’s Bluff on Gorkhaland

Bhaichung Bhutia is a name synonymous with football.

However, the former Indian captain is now spending a majority of his days in the busy bylanes of Siliguri in Northern West Bengal, trying to win over voters for the ongoing Assembly Elections.

Standing on a TMC ticket, Bhaichung has his ideologies clear:

My principles as a political leader will be the same as my work as an Indian football. I played the game with sheer sincerity and dedication and hard work. This is what I want to bring into politics as well.

Bhaichung Bhutia, TMC Leader 

Clearly one to speak his mind, even in politics, Bhutia called the BJP out on its broken promises regarding Darjeeling’s demands for a separate state – Gorkhaland.

Political parties are now using ‘Gorkhaland’ to benefit their own personal agenda. Once the elections are over, they forget Gorkhaland. You can’t just make it a tool and fool the people. They (the people) voted BJP in Lok Sabha, on pure Gorkhaland. Not once have they spoken about Gorkhaland in the Parliament. Modi came and spoke about ‘Gorkhalis dreams are my dreams’, after that speech he has forgotten the dream as well.

Bhaichung Bhutia, TMC Leader 

If the Centre and the State can together create Gorkhaland, I will be the happiest person. I, as a person, will be very happy if tomorrow Gorkhaland is made. Even our (TMC’s) leaders in the hills as well. BJP are in the Centre, they should take the initiative if they are looking at trying to form a new state.

Bhaichung Bhutia, TMC Leader