Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) introduced its candidate for the Sergithang-Tsirangtoed constituency, Tsirang at the party’s head office in Thimphu yesterday.

Kewal Ram Adhikari, 49, from Burichu village in Phuentenchu gewog, owns a cosmetics business in Thimphu. The recent graduate from Royal Thimphu College worked in the private sector for six years before starting his own business.

“My responsibility has now increased beyond looking after the family and business. Now, I also have the responsibility to serve the nation actively,” he said.

The father of four said that although he was interested to join politics since 2008, his qualification had been a barrier. “Now that I have obtained my degree I’m happy to be part of the political process,” he said.

According to Kewal Ram Adhikari, it was DPT’s ideology of “equity and justice” that inspired him to join the party. “As a politician, I’m ready to tackle all the issues facing the party,” he said.

DPT President Pema Gyamtsho (PhD) said that the announcement of the candidate would make people in the southern belt feel comfortable talking about the party, its ideology and the issues regarding membership.

“It was important that we announced this candidature. We are proud to have the right candidate in terms of credentials,” the DPT president said.

The party, he said, is comfortable in terms of candidates and that most of its old candidates are re-contesting.

The Sergithang-Tsirangtoed candidate said that the decision to join DPT was taken after consultation with his family members and supporters. “My family members and close friends suggested me to join DPT,” he said.  “I’m excited to join politics. It’s a new venture for me.”

People’s Democratic Party’s Novin Darlami is the current MP from the constituency. DPT had won the constituency in the first parliamentary election in 2008.

Party’s senior members, Khandu Wangchuk, vice presidents Dorji Wangdi and Ugyen Wangdi and others were also present at the occasion.

MB Subba