Former India football captain Baichung Bhutia met Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang in Gangtok on Sunday, October 18, sparking speculation about a possible political move by the legendary striker towards the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM).
The meeting, according to reports, centred on the development of the state and the welfare of its people. Minister Ven. Sonam Lama was also present during the discussion between the two prominent figures of Sikkim public life.
Neither Bhutia nor the Chief Minister has made any public statement indicating a political realignment following the meeting. However, Bhutia’s current position as an unaffiliated political figure has fuelled speculation that he could be considering a switch to the ruling party, which has governed the Himalayan state since 2019.
Bhutia, who enjoyed an iconic footballing career with the national team before entering politics, was previously associated with the opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF). He contested the Barfung Assembly constituency on an SDF ticket but suffered a defeat at the hands of SKM candidate Riksal Dorjee Bhutia, losing by nearly 4,000 votes.
Following that electoral setback, the former captain resigned from the SDF and has remained unaffiliated with any political party since then, keeping his future political course the subject of much discussion in the state.
Sunday’s meeting with the Chief Minister has now prompted renewed conversations about whether Bhutia, one of Sikkim’s most celebrated public figures, could be preparing for a return to active party politics. Observers point out that a leader of his stature joining the SKM would be a significant development in the state’s political landscape, particularly ahead of future electoral contests.
Despite the buzz generated by the high-profile meeting in Gangtok, there has been no official confirmation from either camp of any move by Bhutia to join the SKM. For now, the speculation continues, with residents and political watchers across Sikkim awaiting clarity on whether the football icon will once again don the colours of a political party.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/sikkim/story/baichung-bhutia-meets-sikkim-cm-prem-singh-tamang-triggers-speculation-over-political-move-1464547-2026-10-18?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-10-18 23:12:00
