New Delhi, April 26:  Bhaichung Bhutia, veteran footballer and former Indian team captain announced his own political party on Thursday. As per reports, the party which is Sikkim-based has been named as ‘Hamro Sikkim' at its launch in New Delhi.  Bhutia had earlier said that the party would take shape in the coming weeks as all members will be given individual responsibilities to strengthen the party from its grassroots.

Bhutia's decision of forming a new party comes barely two months after the former footballer-turned-politician quit Trinamool Congress.  Reports inform that Bhutia was thinking of launching his own party after he parted ways with All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) in February. The former footballer had earlier said that the party will have a separate women’s wing to address their issues at the national level.

According to reports, the newly formed party will have Dilip Rai and the first IAS from Sikkim Megha Nidhi Dahal in his party.  Bhutia comes from a Buddhist background. Bhutia had joined the Trinamool Congress and unsuccessfully contested the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from the Darjeeling constituency.  The name "Bhaichung" literally means "little brother”. Bhutia is one of the most popular figures in the state and is considered as a role model to many Sikkimese as well to people from other states of India.

On 23 January 2008, Bhutia was nominated for the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, for his contribution to Indian football. Three days later on 26 January, India's Republic Day, he was chosen for the Padma Shri along with national swimming champion Bula Choudhury.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 26, 2018 03:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).