The announcement of footballer Bhaichung
Bhutia by the Trinamool Congress as party candidate from the Darjeeling
Lok Sabha constituency has laid to rest the demand of the hill TMC for
fielding a local candidate. Nevertheless, most of the hill leaders have
welcomed the decision of their party chief Mamata Banerjee.
Youth wing leader Chewang Bhutia and women’s unit leader Nanita Gautam have supported the candidature of Bhaichung.
“Although he is from Sikkim, he started
his football career from West Bengal. We accept him as a local candidate
in this context. We are sure he will honestly work for the development
of Darjeeling and not hoodwink the people as preceding representatives
of the region have done,” said Bhutia.
Referring to the CPRM and GJM as arch
enemies of the TMC, Bhutia said the party will still approach the two
rivals and seek support for Bhaichung. Meanwhile, Nanita Gautam said, “I
personally welcome the decision of the party chief. I believe she must
have thought of something positive before taking this decision.”
Gautam added a meeting has been called
on March 7 in Darjeeling to discuss the decision of the party chief.
North Bengal Development minister Gautam Deb and Bhaichung are expected
to be present at the meeting.
“We will extensively discuss the decision of the party then,” added Gautam.(EOIC)