Sikkim: HSP to merge with SDF, dates yet to be finalise: Bhaichung Bhutia

Bhaichung Bhutia mentioned that specific dates for this merger were yet to be finalised

Former football legend turned-politician Bhaichung Bhutia has officially announced his decision to join the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party, led by former Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling.

The announcement puts an end to a week-long period of speculation surrounding Bhaichung joining Sikkim’s opposition party.

While confirming his intention to merge with the SDF, Bhaichung Bhutia mentioned that specific dates for this merger were yet to be finalized and that discussions with SDF representatives were planned.

“We have decided to merge it more or less, but the dates have not been confirmed yet. We will have a meeting with the member from the SDF party with two members from the Hamro Sikkim Party and fix a date”, added Bhaichung.

Bhaichung Bhutia shared his reasons for joining the SDF. He cited concerns about the governance of the state under the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) party’s leadership over the past four years. He raised several key issues, including the complete dilution of Article 371F. He also pointed out the erosion of Sikkimese identity under the SKM government. Bhaichung highlighted the absence of a debate in the Assembly regarding the implementation of the “one nation one card” policy and noted the lack of communication regarding the ongoing Uniform Civil Code (UCC) discussions.

He expressed his worries about the state of Sikkim, emphasizing concerns related to violence and corruption during the SKM government’s tenure. Bhaichung Bhutia drew attention to the significant increase in loans taken by the government in the past four years, contrasting it with the comparatively lower loan amounts taken by the SDF over the last 25 years. He raised questions about the sources of funding for SKM’s campaigns and called on the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to investigate alleged financial irregularities.

Bhaichung Bhutia also stressed upon the importance of preserving Sikkim’s identity and expressed concerns about its security.

He criticized the current state of Sikkim’s image, describing it as a shift from a peaceful and green state to a more violent one. Bhaichung characterized the current government as focused on entertainment rather than effective governance.

Bhaichung Bhutia emphasized that he would continue to offer criticism of those in government, regardless of his political position. He distinguished the SDF and SKM, citing the SDF’s efforts to address unemployment by providing jobs and contrasting it with SKM’s actions, which he saw as counterproductive.

In anticipation of the upcoming 2024 elections, Bhaichung Bhutia said that he believed public perception would change, and he urged people to reconsider their faith in the current government. People believing in this government is the biggest mistake and this will change in the upcoming election of 2024,” said Bhaichung Bhutia.

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