Gangtok, Aug 28: Former India captain and AIFF presidential candidate Bhaichung Bhutia on Sunday alleged that political pressure has led to his home state body Sikkim FA not supporting him in the upcoming general body elections.
The 45-year-old Bhutia, one of the biggest legends in Indian football, is set for a straight fight for the AIFF president’s post in the September 2 polls.
His opponent, former Mohun Bagan and East Bengal goalkeeper Kalyan Chaubey, who is believed to be the front-runner with backing from politically important state associations like Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh.
Chaubey is a BJP leader in Bengal.
Bhutia’s nomination was proposed and seconded by Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan state associations. He did not get support from his state association.
Bhutia, known as ‘Sikkimese Sniper’ during his playing days for his goal-scoring prowess, alleged meddling from some ruling Sikkim Krantakari Morcha (SKM) party leaders by way of pressurising Ethenpa to vote against him.
“I suggest that the few SKM party leaders trying to interfere into the elections to back off. They have persuaded the SFA president to vote against me when he should be requested to abstain,” he said at a press conference here. (PTI)
