Sikkim CM takes jibe at Bhaichung Bhutia & SDF during election rally

GANGTOK: Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay directly targeted former Indian football captain and Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) leader, Bhaichung Bhutia, during an election campaign rally in the state.

Tamang acknowledged Bhutia's football legacy but suggested he should focus on the sport rather than politics due to his lack of electoral success.

He emphasized the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha's (SKM) dedication to promoting youthful candidates, highlighting Rikshal Dorjee Bhutia as SKM's nominee for the Barfung (BL) constituency against Bhutia.

Critiquing Bhutia's track record, Tamang questioned his contribution to developing Sikkim's football talent and accused him of prioritizing irrelevant pursuits like cultivating 'Dalle Khursani' red round chillies instead of empowering youth in sports.

Tamang also criticized SDF's alleged governance failures, contrasting them with SKM's achievements, notably the construction of a stadium after coming to power in 2019.

Despite Bhutia's criticisms, Tamang remained steadfast, urging young party members to focus on the party's goals and reaffirming SKM's commitment to nurturing future leaders within Sikkim.