The two candidates contesting for the upcoming bye-election in Nganglam constituency in Pemagatshel promised many things during the public debate held on June 15.

Both the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) and Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) candidates promised to construct a new hospital in Nganglam.

DPT’s candidate, Rinchen Pelzang, also pledged to establish a business centre in Nganglam, construct and connect the Nganglam-Dewathang highway, and construct a helipad at Yangbari.

DNT’s candidate, Karma Dorji, promised to promote Nganglam as a business and tourist centre, construct a 50-bedded hospital with X-ray and endoscopy facilities in Nganglam and fulfil his pledges of 2013 and 2018 elections if he wins the bye-election.

He claimed he understands that need of the people in the constituency, as he had contested in the elections since 2013.

He also claimed all his pledges would be fulfilled if he wins, because the pledges were finalised after consulting the party.

Rinchen Pelzang questioned DNT candidate how the ruling government would fulfil all the pledges when they are only left with little time.

Karma Dorji said since the pledges are important and have long-term benefit for the people in the demkhong, it would be fulfilled as the ruling party has the advantages to implement the developmental activities, which is not even included in the plan. “I would not have contested in the bye-election if I am from an opposition party.”

He said it is also the ruling party’s responsibility to mobilise fund and the government is prioritising the pledges.

Karma Dorji picked on the DPT candidate, asking him why DPT, which brought many developments in 2008 as a ruling party, could not connect the Nganglam-Dewathang highway. “Is it because the party is an opposition party?”

Rinchen Pelzang said the construction of Nganglam-Dewathang highway was awarded to project DANTAK and the first cutting also started but could not complete as the DANTAK had to deploy its labours at the Samrang-Jomotshangkha highway construction.

He said his priority is to promote agricultural farming, maintain and construct the irrigation canals and initiate activities that would benefit in the present and future.

Karma Dorji said he would construct farm roads to promote agricultural products, address market challenges in consultation with the concerned agencies and provide electric and solar fencing to the people in the demkhong.

Meanwhile, the candidates started their door-to-door campaigns in Dechenling gewog yesterday.

By Kelzang Wangchuk | Samdrupjongkhar

Edited by Tashi Dema