Ugyentse – Yoeseltse, Samtse

Registered voters: 11,659 | Male: 6,076 | Female: 5,583

Pushparaj Humagai

Age: 63

Work experience: 17 years in civil service as Planning Officer and 20 years in private sector as the CEO

Education: Masters in Development PlanningEconomics in 2018

One sentence that best describes your life?

A hardworking person with passion to create new ideas and experiences. 

Is there a woman figure you look up to? 

My wife and my late mother—supportive and caring.

Your party symbol is elephant, how well your personality matches with the elephant?

As we all know elephant, popularly known as Meymey Sangay is a very bold animal yet compassionate and kind. I am bold and hardworking individual with kind heart. 

I strongly believe that motivation and true determination can drive people to work hard and I believe in leading a team rather than working alone.

What makes you confident that the voters would vote you with same support as in the primary round?

With three rounds of election, I think our voters are more informed and have become very smart. The voters are looking for a change and their voices are to be heard. 

I have strong confidence that people will vote for BTP because we are committed and determined to bring change and make sure our people’s voices are being heard.

Samtse is already developing at a rapid stage with Gyalsung programme and industrial estate prioritized here. Your priority for your constituency if elected.

Samtse is developing but on the other-hand the rural economy is stagnant and people are facing difficulties in meeting their daily means. To revitalize the rural economy, it is crucial to provide necessary financial support to farmers through subsidies, loans, and other services. This will assist in boosting agricultural productivity and encouraging commercial farming. Promoting agricultural exports can also contribute to generating income and improving the living standards of rural communities. To improve connectivity and facilitate transportation of goods and services, prioritizing the development of infrastructure like roads and irrigation systems is vital. Moreover, access to reliable electricity is equally important for agricultural activities and overall rural development. Furthermore, focusing on the development of the constitution is essential to ensure that policies and laws support rural development effectively. For example, engaging with local communities and seeking their input can help in shaping a constitution that caters to their needs and aspirations. Overall, a holistic approach, encompassing financial support, infrastructure development, and a well-designed constitution, can contribute to a thriving rural economy, ultimately improving the lives of people in Samtse.

Easy flow of drugs through the porous borders is one of the main issues facing our youth as much as unemployment is. What solutions have you thought?

It’s a very sad fact that drugs are being made available to our youths and we must give a very serious attempt to address this issue. We should work on making our border more secure with walls and fencing, increase border security and surveillance. 

Secondly, youth should not be kept idle as saying goes an idle mind is a devil’s workshop- our party is determined to provide platforms and opportunities for our unemployed youths-create jobs through industries and provide training to enhance skills and also financial assistance to establish businesses. We have to invest in our youths to shape their lives- our party is also committed in helping youths with mental disorders. 

Do you think Bhutanese are enjoying the right of democracy to freely elect or not?

Yes, I think Bhutanese are enjoying the right of democracy and specially the people at rural places considers it as a sacred privilege.

Your opponent is a woman, what do you say about her? Which area do you think she requires improvement?

It’s wonderful to witness the engagement and participation of individuals, regardless of their gender or age, in the democratic process. Emphasizing the importance of experience and wisdom for any candidate, should be a common consideration in evaluating potential leaders.

Dimple Thapa

Age: 42

Work experience: 18 years of experience working under the Department of Forest and Park Services and as the Divisional Forest Officer for Tsirang dzongkhag for six years

Education: M.Sc. in Mountain Forestry

One sentence that best describes your life?

I’m a goal-oriented person with patience and perseverance.

You are a lone woman against all male candidates in Samtse. Is there a woman figure you look up to? 

My late mother, C.M Thapa, popularly known as Madam Thapa.  She was my bestie and I miss her immensely.

Your party symbol is horse, how well your personality matches with the horse?

White horse is symbol of purity and I am clear of my vision of serving the country, people and the King with utmost dedication, commitment and determination.

What makes you confident that the voters would vote you with same support as in the primary round?

The astounding support in primary round signifies the popularity of our party, President and candidate which has won the trust of our voters. I am hopeful that our voters will uphold the same trust in General Election too. Furthermore, our manifesto calls for greater support of voters.

Samtse is already developing at a rapid stage with Gyalsung programme and industrial estate prioritized here. Your priority for your constituency if elected.

Many hamlets have limited access to road. My priority would be to build new accessible roads, and blacktop all roads in Ugyentse-Yoesheltse constituency with bridges wherever necessary.

Easy flow of drugs through the porous borders is one of the main issues facing our youth as much as unemployment is. What solutions have you thought?

In the coming years Samtse will be developed as a special economic zone whereby many of country’s top-notch industries will flourish. This will definitely abate unemployment problem in the country.

Do you think Bhutanese are enjoying the right of democracy to freely elect or not?

Yes, because over the last 15 years people have matured along with democracy since its inception in 2008, and are capable of choosing competent leaders.

What do you say about your opponent? Which area do you think he requires improvement?

I am not the right person to judge my opponent at least for now. It’s the responsibility of public to choose the right candidate for Ugyentse-Yoesheltse constituency.