If the people of Chhokhor and Tang gewogs in Bumthang elect the Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) candidate Dawa on October 18, he stands a chance to become a minister.
Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa president Lotay Tshering said this in response to a question from a voter, who attended the meeting with the people of the constituency at Wangdichholing yesterday afternoon.
He said he is not mocking at the ministers or their post but only saying it where the candidates merit such post. “If Dawa is not able and up to the task then the party would not make him our candidate against the other party’s president.”
If the voters keep their end of the bargain the president said that his party would see a fitting way to reward them by respecting their choice and could give him a berth at the Cabinet.
He repeated what he always tells the people, “You know the taste of the regular dish or the Opposition Leader but I urge you to try Dawa to enjoy a different and better taste.”
The DNT president also spoke to the people of Bumthang’s other two gewogs of Chumey and Ura in two separate meetings at the respective gewog centres.
Lotay Tshering said his party’s candidate from the two gewogs, 32-year-old Phuntsho Namgay, is a passionate and committed person, which is why the party chose to field him again as its candidate.
He stood third in the primary election with about 700 votes. However, Lotay Tshering said with People’s Democratic Party and Bhutan Kuen-Nyam Party supporters turning to DNT, Phuntsho Namgay has chances.
The DNT president was asked to clarify the party’s pledges on free wifi, health care services, and the question of quality if the minimum level of basic education is raised to class 12.
Lotay Tshering said free wifi is possible through the intranet and people can access Facebook and Google through the network.
“Investing in the health of our children is as good as saving in a bank account,” he said.
Lotay Tshering gave an example of a boy who couldn’t qualify for the post of x-ray technician after completing class 10. “I sought help from my friend to fund the boy’s education in Ugyen Academy and he scored 89 percent in class 12. Imagine the fate of the boy had there been no help. There must be many more who did not get such opportunities.”
He said most of the students are not mature enough or skilled to start working at the age they complete class 10. “That is the reason why we have to allow them to study up to class 12, by then they will attain the right age to start work and also qualify for private colleges.”
Lotay Tshering said while the pledges fulfil the short-term needs of the common people, the greater positive impacts would be felt in the long run or 15 years later.
The president reached Trongsa yesterday and will campaign in the two constituencies today.
Tshering Palden | Bumthang