Lhakpa Quendren 

Even as the number of ministries reduced to nine from 10, the government has not yet decided on the reduction of the number of ministers.

While the decision is not finalised, Lyonchhen Dr Lotay Tshering at the meet-the-press yesterday said that five cabinet ministers, including the prime minister himself, have offered to step down.

Foreign Minister Dr Tandi Dorji, Agriculture Minister Yeshey Penjor, Home Minister Ugyen Dorji, and Communication Minister Karma Donnen Wangdi have proposed to step down.

“I thought it would be difficult to choose one from 11. But, now, there are five of us,” Lyonchhen said.

Lyonchhen said that he had received written justifications from the four ministers. “The decision will be taken very soon.”

Lyonchhen said that some Cabinet ministers instead objected to “my offer to step down.”

Lyonchhen said, “It is my moral responsibility to lead the party as much as it is my absolute honour to be head of the government.”

“I am the party president and the head of the government. I am not able to step out of Thimphu at all. I must visit the local government to communicate and interact with the villagers.”

According to Lyonchhen, Lyonpo Dr Tandi Dorji wanted to step down to run the party office, while the home minister was the youngest cabinet minister and feels he should be the one to go.