Bhaichung Bhutia, the Trinamool Congress
candidate from Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency, is confident of
clinching victory in the 16th general election. The voting for the
constituency has already been completed on April 17 and the result is
scheduled come out on May 16.
The former captain of the Indian
football team, Bhutia had suddenly and surprisingly made his foray into
politics as the TMC candidate for Darjeeling LS constituency.
Whatever be the result of the poll, the
erstwhile footballer will not be quitting politics which he clarified in
some of his recent interviews. When asked by reporters recently in
Darjeeling, Baichung said he is sure of a resounding victory from the
constituency but if he faces defeat, he will not cease to continue his
political work for the interest of the people and his party.
Baichung further said if the people of
the constituency give him the opportunity to represent them at
Parliament, he will ceaselessly strive to intensify the development
process in Darjeeling hills.
When asked about the opposition’s
allegations that he knows a little or nothing about politics, Bhutia
replied that one is not born an expert but learns things gradually.
Importantly, as much as 13 candidates
from various parties have contested the election from the concerned
constituency in the ongoing general poll. But political observers feel
amongst them only two candidates, BJP’s SS Ahluwalia supported by the
GJM and the TMC’s Bhaichung Bhutia, supported by GNLF, are the
front-running contenders to clinch victory. The other major candidate
who may also make an impact is an independent candidate Dr Mahendra P
Lama but the real picture will only unfold on 16 May. (EOIC)