Bhaichung Bhutia, former captain of Indian soccer team, took to twitter to announce his separation from the Trinamool Congress party. He tweeted, “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 did not however mention about any future plans in politics, but a tweet by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju immediately following this announcement gave rise to speculations over new political equations. Rijiju tweeted, “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 endeavour.”
Trinamool Congress hasn’t reacted to this announcement yet. However, according to some sources, there has been a difference of opinion for long between TMC and Bhutia over the party’s approach towards the Gorkhaland issue. And the disagreement widened due to the 104 day strike in Darjeeling that was followed by violence and consequent deaths there.
Bhutia originally hails from Sikkim and had spoke for Gorkhaland as well in some meetings that were held in Sikkim. He is reportedly looking at a bigger political role in Sikkim now. According to a party leader, Bhutia had informed TMC leaders of this decision almost a month back.
