The local people’s preference is the prime reason for an ICT businessman, Hem Kumar Ghalley, 32, in Phuentsholing to contest in the upcoming National Council (NC) election.

From Wangdigatshel (Ramitey) village, he is the lone NC aspirant from Phuentsholing gewog as of now to declare an interest for NC. There are nine NC aspirants from the dzongkhag.

The former Druk Chirwang Tshogpa (DCT) candidate said people wanted him to contest for the NC and represent them.

Claiming that he has a decent business and is self-sufficient, the NC aspirant said it was a calling for him to change his mind and contest for NC. “I will give my best and try to win.”

A Bachelors of Computer Application graduate from Royal Thimphu College in 2012, he said there are still lapses in the current leadership.

“I don’t mean our leaders have not done their job but there is more left to do,” Hem Kumar Ghalley said. “We need to bridge those gaps.”

He said that consultation with people at the grassroots is the most important aspect a leader should have, as it would change the current scenario of forgetting the identified issues at a point to finding ways and solving them.

Hem Kumar Ghalley also said Phuentsholing, the country’s biggest commercial hub, has remained in an ironic situation today. “Despite being a high revenue generating area with opportunities, most people in Chukha are not doing well.”

He said that if there is anything to be done at the policy level to help people then it must be done.

The NC candidate is also an agriculture enthusiast and plans to improve the sector in Chukha. “Our country is dependent mainly on agriculture and I think there is much to do in this area.”

He said that vegetable farming in the southern belts could focus on organic farming. Hem Kumar Ghalley is currently conducting familiarisation.

Rajesh Rai | Phuentsholing