Bhaichung Bhutia open to a federal front of regional parties
What's the story
Former Indian footballer Bhaichung Bhutia, who is set to launch his political party on 31 May, has said that he is open to a federal front, but his party would fight the corrupt government of Sikkim. Bhaichung said his focus would be to strengthen his Hamro Sikkim Party to oust the state's Sikkim Democratic Party, which has been in power for nearly 25 years.
Inspiration
Hamro Sikkim Party inspired by AAP
Bhaichung said his party is inspired by Delhi's Aam Aadmi Party. He said the AAP's fight against corruption has brought the party "close to the people". "Compared to Delhi, Sikkim is not a very democratic state. People here are not able to voice their discontent. If they raise their voice against the government, they are victimized," he said.
Information
Bhaichung had previously contested from Didi's TMC
Bhaichung had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha poll and the 2016 Bengal state election as Trinamool Congress candidate, but lost the polls and quit Mamata Banerjee's party in February. He then formed his political party along with a few friends.
Hamro Sikkim Party
Aim is to fight against corruption, unemployment, drug abuse
Bhaichung said, though, his political party is youth-based, there are experienced people to guide the new outfit. "Our main aim is to fight against corruption and also (against) menaces like unemployment and drug abuse," he said. He believes his second innings in the political field would be rather successful as he is the "son of the soil" and understands the problems of Sikkim.