AIFF Elections: Bhaichung Bhutia alleges political pressure behind Sikkim FA not backing him

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.

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The top three top posts of the president, vice president and treasurer could see straight fights between two candidates with the legendary Bhaichung Bhutia up against former goalkeeper and frontrunner Kalyan Chaubey as the presidential candidates.

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 Krantikari 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. "I really don't want his (Ethenpa's) vote but direct meddling by political figures will hamper the development of football in the state and the country as a whole," a furious former national captain added. "The president (Menla Ethenpa) will