KP Sharma

Following its landslide win in Bongo-Chapcha and the two constituencies in Dagana, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is confident to sweep these constituencies in the general elections, according to party president Tshering Tobgay.

In what is considered a contributing factor to gaining support in southern Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay spoke in excellent Lhotshamkha during his meeting with the people of Dagana yesterday.

Both the constituencies in Dagana and Bongo-Chapcha in Chukha are strongholds for the PDP, where they garnered some of the highest votes to lead over other parties in the primary election.

During the meeting, wearing a floral garland presented by the people, Tshering Tobgay expressed gratitude for the massive support received in the primary election.

He affirmed that the party’s manifesto and pledges align with the current needs, vowing to work diligently to fulfill the aspirations of the people if given the opportunity.

However, he urged the people to compare the manifestos of both parties before making their choice.

Apart from discussing the party’s overall pledges, Tshering Tobgay committed to initiating the construction of Sunkosh hydropower project to boost the local economy and community development in Dagana.

In Lhamoidzingkha, known for growing areca nuts in abundance, the PDP promised to address issues related to areca nut export, making it more accessible for the residents.

In addition, the party pledged to improve the inconsistent electricity supply in the area.

If the PDP forms the government, it pledges to upgrade the road from Lobesa to Sunkosh to Daga Dzong and maintain the Lhamoidzingkha-Dalbari-Dagapela road.

“All the gewog center roads and chiwog roads would be blacktopped if not at least provided a base course,” he added.

In Chapcha, the president assured support for selling potato products and exploring new auction yards in Bangladesh, Thailand, Singapore, and other parts of India, apart from Jaigaon.

Tshering Tobgay reassured the voters that, despite PDP’s candidate Pempa hailing  from Bongo, their concerns would not be ignored.

He pledged personal attention to their issues and urged them to consider him as their representative.

The president highlighted the economic benefits that the Bunakha hydropower project would bring to the community once it commences.

Addressing concerns in Chapcha, Tshering Tobgay said that the Damchu-Chukha bypass had made it remote, but the Bunakha project would restore its accessibility and opportunities.

He said that rumors about the relocation of dzongkhag services to Gedu were untrue, and the party had never made such statements.

To the people of Darla, the PDP promised to upgrade the Darla to Phuentsholing highway along both routes.

The party’s plans also include upgrading the Darla MSS to a central school and enhancing facilities at the Gedu hospital.

The president is scheduled to meet with people from two constituencies of Tsirang today.