THE BLOG BY CPD FOOTBALL | The World of Indian football and beyond by Chris Punnakkattu Daniel

Baichung Bhutia to contest the Indian Parliament elections

Baichung Bhutia at the AIFF Technical Committee Meeting

Baichung Bhutia at the AIFF Technical Committee Meeting

Baichung Bhutia, former Indian national team captain and current Chairman of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Technical Committee, has been nominated to contest in the Lok Sabha (Lower House of the Parliament of India) elections for Trinamool Congress from Darjeeling.

The Trinamool Congress is a sub-national state-level ruling political party from the Indian state of West Bengal. West Bengal Chief Minister and party chief Mamata Banerjee announced her star-studded list of candidates on Wednesday, which includes famous Bengali personalities like reigning Bengali matinee idol Dev, film personalities Moon Moon Sen and Satabdi Roy, besides Bhutia.

“It is a great honour for me and I am grateful to Ms Banerjee for giving me this opportunity to contest the general elections. I hope to work hard for the people with honest and transparency,” Baichung told news agency IANS.

Talking about the Darjeeling district, Baichung said “Let us admit that Darjeeling has been neglected and that is the reason why they are demanding different things. There has been no development in the hills. But thanks to the chief minister, there is now some peace in Darjeeeling. There is lot of potential in Darjeeling, be it tourism or tea gardens. I would like to work honestly for the development of Darjeeling.”

“Two months ago I was given the offer and I finally decided to take the plunge into active politics. I hope my fan following works. But it will always be a difficult task.”

“I would also like to work for the development of sports in the country. It would be a great opportunity to work on several issues,” added the former star footballer.

The Lok Sabha polls will take place in April-May 2014.