Ugyen Dorji

Mongar—Candidates vying for the Drametse-Ngatshang constituency in Mongar showcased their campaign commitments at a public forum hosted at Ngatshang gewog center on December 28. 

The People Democratic Party (PDP) and Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP) candidates engaged with the electorate, focusing their pledges on critical sectors such as road infrastructure, education, drinking water sources, chain link fencing, and agriculture.

During the forum, candidates pledged to address the pressing concerns of the constituency. The People Democratic Party’s (PDP) representatives and those from the Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP) articulated their proposals in an effort to garner support from the local populace.

Issues related to the development of road infrastructure, improvements in the education sector, access to reliable drinking water, installation of chain link fencing, and advancements in agriculture took center stage in the candidates’ presentations. Each contender underscored their commitment to resolving these key matters, aligning their proposals with the immediate needs and priorities of the local electorate.

As the electoral race intensifies, political hopefuls are strategically positioning themselves to secure the trust and votes of the community. The public forum served as a crucial platform for the candidates to outline their visions and gain public support in the run-up to the impending elections in the Drametse-Ngatshang constituency.

Tobgay Tobgay, the PDP candidate, pledged to establish agro and forest-based processing plants, farm shops, and fuel dispensing depots across all gewogs. Other pledges were establishment of Sherichhu mini hydropower project, Gongri hydropower project, Jerichhu-Gongri integrated pump storage, and the promotion of Aja Ney for both local pilgrimage and foreign tourists.

Tobgay Tobgay committed to re-introducing the central schools and a doctor for every gewog based on resident population and providing one functional pool vehicle for each gewog. 

Kinzang Wangchuk, the BTP candidate, focused on systemic issues emphasising clean and responsive governance. His pledges included reviving minor cereals markets through processing units, and ensuring reliable sources of drinking water. 

Kinzang Wangchuk promised to reopen closed schools and pursue the commercialisation of cardamom with the installation of drying and grading facilities. Construction of a ring road and the establishment of a fuel station for Yadi and enhancing marketing through chilli processing and packaging units, cold storage facilities, and logistics.

Common forums in Mongar dzongkhag ended yesterday.