BICMA mandate a national revenue enhancement or information curtailing task?

Great Goal BICMA! Yes cut off the poor from cable TV Network and thereby also denying access to BBS TV service.  Keep the poor in darkness.

So you have proudly ordered ( courtesy Kuensel article )  to cut off of TV access to those who cannot afford the extra cost of switching from analog to digital TV. Great achievement in the field of denying information to the lower rug of the society.

Do not worry  BICMA Board of of Anti- information and communication. Poor people will go without meals but not TV connection. TV and voting is the one and only sense of equality in this overly unequal Bhutanese society. 

So yes the poor will go without meal, barter flesh or dignity but they will pay for TV connection.

There are two level of comprehension of  laws and different entitlements for Have Nots and Have All. Poor and honest citizens  have no real  access to Bhutanese authorities. Only Authorities have access to people as and when the authorities desire. Never the other way.  And undeprivilged are subjected to under priveledged treatments all the time. Unequal interpretation of rules and preferential  facilities for privileged and well connected groups are most prevalent under the much hyped benevolent national  administration in the Kingdom of happiness for priviledged few and their followers. It has become a norm rather than exception. But who cares in the realm of Bhutanese authorities?     

Only the cable TV channels' ( all foreign origin except 2 BBS national channels)  programmes and News do not differentiate between the poor groups and the well connected groups in the Bhutanese society. And BICMA cannot stand this equal news and information service provided by TV Channels to the poor and super alike.

Illiterate and poor people may be but they do care about what is happening in the world and in the Kingdom of Bhutan. So they will exercise their vote in an election. And they will somehow and anyhow hold on to the precious TV links. 

No!  I do not know who the BICMA Chief is. And no idea who the Board Members are. But who they are is not relevant. The national trend is take care of the powerful elites and their follower groups. The rest have no voice and therefore no call to be concerned with. Who cares if such people cannot afford TV connection. 

The conscience of the nation is guilt free as long as few priviledged are paid to have annual  health check ups. And if they have cancer from living unhealthy life styles, dump all the money from national exchequer till they are pampered to death in foreign hospitals.  Sorry !  There is no money left to connect rural farmer families  to TV link!      

Missing the Forest for the trees?

PDP loss was due to less number of postal votes. Agreed. But amusing to read that less postal votes for PDP is blamed  on  Dawa's fabricated charge against PDP and Lyonpo Sonam Kinga's posts in social media against DPT. How do one come to same conclusion for entirely different posts?

I feel the Eastern Tsunami has more to do with the literate and urbanites of Eastern origin who felt ostracized for the last 5 years as supporters of DPT. The constant allegation of being dis-loyal that culminated into an out of blue lower court  sedition verdict against DPT may have caused targetted people in consolidating in search of comfort and consolation. This could be a national message that segregation or separation is not a cohesive national.approach towards uniting as one people one nation. So love your nation and your King and stop this loyal and disloyal politics for votes.

EVM voting franchise is mainly exercised by rural illiterate or semi- literate voters after facilitation booths have been introduced in this election. And they were not exposed to the stings of allegations perpetuated through out the last 5 years. Also EVM higher votes for PDP has to do with intensive marathon campaign by PDP President and investment of time and goodwill among villagers by PDP candidates.

The literate and the urban voters also may not have taken kindly to last minute switch of candidates. North Punakha switch worked only because the new candidate had the former candidate campaigning with him. I was particularly surprised by PDP going for Sangay Khandu a former DPT supporter and ousting MP Ritu Raj who was very visible in Parliament sessions.  

I am also surprised by the defeat of Lyonpo Yeshey Dorji and Damcho Dorji of PDP and Dasho Neten of BKP. I am wondering how much time and personal effort were invested by them in the door to door campaign in their constituencies. Maybe not much. They may have relied more on canvassing by supporters who assured them that everything was in the bag. That was what I think went wrong in 2008 defeat of His Excellency Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup. There is a big difference between the candidate going around in person asking for votes and Party workers going around stating nonchantly, " it will be better for yourself  to vote for Lyonpo". Humble people do not in actual reality like to be treated off handedly. They are submissive to power when they have no alternative. And another fact of social life is that though they may  like the boss, they hate to comply with the biddings of chamchas or underlings.

Just presenting the other side outlook generally known as the alternate facts. 

There is still that love of being part of something permanent.

Perhaps you might like to enjoy a story related to rural life.

The last 9 days from 13th to 21st September,  I was physically engaged in finishing a humble but very necessary and immensely useful cowshed complete with a fireplace room  to heat cow feed, a store room to stock dry grass, a bigger storage for dry pine needles for bedding the cows and another shed to store left over timber and firewood stock. And yes another important feature the electrification as most cow feeding and milking chores are done late evening after finishing field works in addition to early morning similar chores before field works. So electric light is a boon.

The stone walls and roofing structure  timbers were ready by the 13th. I just reached my village ( Haa Wangtsa ) to help with the roofing and other partition works. CGI sheet roofing is simple if roofing structure frames are done right. So Thursday afternoon ( morning I was driving from Thimphu to Haa )  and Friday morning was devoted to helping and directing in framing  roof structures and in the afternoon the actual roofing was done. Roofing is always done on a Friday which is considered natural calamity proof like fire and flood.

Saturday was Primary Election voting day, So I began the electrification work in the morning as Saturday is generally considered a fire day as Sunday is for water connection and plumbing. But plumbing is not required and water connection was already there for the old semi- permanent cowshed which had to be dismantled as wooden  pillars were giving way and a permanent structure build in its place. With electrification half done, the afternoon was voting time and getting few hardwares from the town.

Evening of polling day was solemn as result was read out by BBS anchors and PDP Party along with a 2nd term opportunity for Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay from Haa was eliminated. Unfortunate it was but not all hope is lost and 2023 looked promising for PDP Party. The 1st son of democratic  Haa had managed to establish grassroot foundation for his PDP Party nation wide. And on the whole the consolation was that Haa stood by the Prime Minister along with majority of rural voters nation wide.

The Valley of Haa and its people had always stood for the King and Prime Ministers from Haa. The first legendary Prime Minister was Honourable Jigme Palden Dorji who enjoyed an incredible relationship with the people of Haa. He was the one who handed over Haa Dzong to Imtrat for temporary use. And if his life had not been cut short in 1964 by assassin bullets, the Dzong would have been returned to Haaps and Haa Valley would today be a far more developed and a flourishing modern trade route between Bhutan and Tibet China. Alas! History is hard to foretell and great vision remains a dream like a bridge too far away to cross.  I have often wondered if someone else will rise to fulfill the  dream. Then another Prime Minister with similar first name was on the political track to achieve the dream but unfortunately he too was felled by  bullets not metal but political India fashioned bullets  in 2013.    

Now getting back to the cowshed. It took me and the house wife few more days to get all facilities done for the new cowshed but it was done ultimately.  BPC rules requires a licensed house wiring personnel to do the electrical  wiring.  That is understandable so I got such a person to review the electrification works in the evening. He was engaged in mask dance during day at Haa Tsechu.  He was satisfied and kindly provided a copy of his licence to be submitted to BPC Office. I still wonder why BPC also required a Thram copy and CID copy of the Thram holder. Perhaps BPC is wary of alien cowshed owners requesting for new electrical connection from earth.

There are two shops with photo copy service.  One opened by 8: 30 am for business but  did not have the photocopy machine in working condition. The other I was told will open for business around 10am. Luckily a businessman  friend had a small photocopy machine at his home. Thus on 20th the first working day after Haa Tsechu, I was able to make necessary cash deposit with all documents for a new electricity connection with BPC office in Haa.  The BPC man came to the site  and he was quite happy with the long sturdy  wooden ladder I had fashioned for him to reach the top of the high electrical line  pole. He also checked the electrical  wiring insulation and earthing connection. He seemed satisfied and hurrah now a permanent electricity line connection has been provided.

The long ladder was dismantled again as I needed the long poles as rafters for the fire wood shed. The cows were moved in to the new shed on the auspicious evening of Friday the 21st September. Hope the cows found it comfortable. I found that the old enthusiasm for doing something worthwhile in the village  is still there but physically it gets more exhausting. An urban  deskman is better off thinking, planning and writing than hammering or sawing as required during construction. But life has variety and colours and thats why every day is interestingly lively. 
    

             

Bhutan's Deities and Political Parties.

The Deities of Bhutan Pel Yeshey Gyenpo and Pelden Lhamo granted the wishes and desires of the Presidents of 4 Political Parties.

On this Thruelbaab morning, something so clear struck my conscience. I share the following thoughts in the hope that Bhutanese of all walks of life have faith and trust in the all encompassing goodness of our Deities. 

1. The President of BKP wished to be a housewife. And this wish was granted. BKP Party has been eliminated from the General round and the President can now be a devoted housewife.  Maybe now she will get hitched with a partner who she can look after as a housewife.

2. The President of DNT desired to unseat PM Tshering Tobgay somehow and anyhow. This desire was granted. PDP Party has been unexpectedly  eliminated from the General round thus there is no possibility of second term for PM Tshering Tobgay in 2018.

3. The President of DPT wished to demonstrate that DPT Party was not a anti- Monarch Party but His Majesty's subject based Party. And this wish was granted. DPT Party is now out of bardo/ limbo state. It proved its credential as a democratically founded national Party.

4. The President of PDP wished to demonstrate that PDP was not just a Party of the  elites but had grassroot support nationwide. This wish was granted. PDP Party got its majorty support from all over rural Bhutan. PDP Party lost this round but it has proved that its foundation is cross society based nationwide.   

I hope all supporters of 4 political Parties  are now content with the outcome of the Primary Election which was granted  as so wished by respective Party Presidents. May good spirit and  harmony prevail. Happy Thruelbaab Day la.

An outlook towards the General Election and unity of the nation.

DNT and DPT have decided to stick to original Primary candidates. Whilst I laud their principle, few changes may not harm the campaign strategies of both Parties.

A. Regarding DNT

1. In most constituencies,  DNT has done wonders because where they did not win, they came second to PDP.  In several constituencies, PDP candidates came very close to DPT winners. And  ofcourse in  9  constituencies PDP topped though  where DNT was in 2nd position as in Chapcha Bongo, the Party seat is quite secure. Still few from PDP could increase DNT Party chances.      

2. Also DNT might want to reconsider about " 2045 all Party vision of abdication" and the Party's emphasis on anti- establishment vote against an authority holding on to  power for more than 10 years. It is disturbing  though it may have  worked for DNT during Primary. I say this because so far only the King has been in power for more than 10 years. Both DPT and PDP as Opposition Parties had no real power except grumbling in Parliament. However, Closing gap and enhancing health facilities are  themes that  grassroot and mid level voters  associated well with and so paid dividends.    

B. Regarding DPT

1) DPT maybe better off if Aum Lily Wangchuk concentrates upon North Thimphu her own constituency and Dagana region. A quick campaign tour for her and President with the respective  candidates in her root Dzongkhag the Daga region might change DPT prospects there. 

2. Another thought for sake of Haa Dzongkhag. DNT candidate Dasho Ugyen Tenzing is very strong. So no chance for present DPT candidate. Better that Dasho Lam Dorji is invited. Thats my request to DPT brave young Haap. Dasho Lam may not win but if he does, we have a Lyonpo candidate in him, too, like Dasho Ugyen Tenzing of DNT. So whether DNT or DPT becomes the governing Party, Haa Dzongkhag wins in having  Lyonpo Ugyen Tenzin or Lyonpo Lam Dorji. The nation too would benefit from such experienced administrators.

For Haa the Lyonpo chain needs to be preserved for then we have better chance to contribute more effectively in nation building as in the past.  I hope people of Haa are with me in this as they were  with me in voting for PDP with goal to secure PM post for our 1st Son of Haa. I have no regrets about this defeat because we Haaps did not let down PM Tshering Tobgay.  The ultimate choice was always of all Bhutanese voters. We must respect the seat of PM regardless of who comes on that Chair. An elected Bhutanese PM is for all 20 Dzongkhags.

C. Samtse, Tsirang and Sarpang are politically tipsy topsy regions. Primary election was just a hedging vote for self preservation.  The game is wide open in the General Election because the scenery is more clear now. So I feel that  both DPT and DNT must rework their campaign strategies

D. The anti- royal tag against DPT.

I personally find it dangerous for the nation to believe in it. And even worse to promote such a divisive political line. We are subjects of one King and one people of one small nation. And if there are some such anti- royal elements, then we must convert them and not treat such as anti- royal or anti- national force. As good Shepard, we  must bring stray sheep into the flock.

A divided people cannot serve the interest of Druk Yul and the reverred institution of Monarchy.  Both the Throne and unity among subjects are vital for sovereignty and prosperity of a secure Kingdom of Bhutan.

Towards this one nation and one people goal, our Lyonchen Tshering Tobgay was and even more so now  in a unique position to be an effective  cementing factor to heal the nation of any scar or wound. He did not make much effort in the past. A loyalist or authentic royalist must aim to promote the unity of the Kingdom. His Excellency need to now  play a constructive role in building the bridge and removing any misunderstanding and correcting any mistakes.  So far there are more divisive voice than cohesion. I hope this can be ended. And Dasho Lam Dorji can also be a very good influence if he joins DPT.

Bhutanese democracy must not be about which region is stronger or more loyal. It has to be which Party and leaders can best serve the nation with the King. Bhutan is too small and our population too few to be divided in camps of loyal and disloyal subjects. One King, One Nation and One People has been and must be the guiding spirit and inspiration of Drul Yul the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Lastly, I thank Lyonchen Tshering Tobgay for the service to the nation and for representing Haa at the highest level of governance. I look forward to continuous service to Tsawa Sum from His Excellecy and the PDP Party. Seasons change and so does fortune. There are brighter terms to come by in the years ahead.
    

Why BKP had such miserable vote number?

1. Party Presidential debate live on BBS TV with few days into election campaign. And there was Dasho Neten the President of BKP giggling or laughing away and talking about corruption and fears within the nation that her behaviour gave not a damn. Corruption and social fears is  not a laughing matter.

2. At Wangdue Phodrong Dzongkhag the VP of BKP Mr. Sonam Tobgay the familar  face and ofcourse the founder of BKP was going through an election campaign in the spirit of Officer' Mess or Gentlemen Club style. If he had no stomach to fight it out in the open why did he invite others to join a war that the President and Vice President were  un- willing to battle for ?

3. The same lacklustre attitude reigned down the Partyline. One candidate found it inconvenient to trek through the monsoon rain blocked motor road and therefore asked to be excused from common forum meet.  And another candidate who is supposed to be committed to public service than personal family service could not attend the common forum due to death of a family member. Now I am not being unsympathetic to their personal woes. But leadership calls for more preparation, determination and personal sacrifice.

Dasho Neten should have come prepared for the big fight. Instead she was a nervous wreck at the Presidential debate forum. And VP Sonam Tobgay should have gone all out instead he was on a appeasement trip of public relationship.

All such lacklustre attitudes convinced me that success for BKP was achieving 10% share of vote share. Thus I wrote " hope BKP gets 10% of vote share ".

Sure there is some benefit of limelight in the public arena for party functionaries. But this certainly is no way for a Political Party to behave if it is seeking a role at national.level.

4. 28, 473 votes garnered by 47 candidates translates to around 605 per candidate. And almost 300000 voted. I think BKP leaders should not be talking of rising again. Instead BKP leaders should first apologize to the nation for wasting everyone's time. And then maybe dream of 2023.  

Primary Election. Not really a shocker but most revealing.

DPT returns with a big bang. PDP goes out and DNT rises. BKP back to drawing board. Looks like BKP failed to get the 10%. Whilst DNT garnered a huge anti- establishment vote. ( Courtesy BBS. ECB will ofcourse confirm official results tomorrow ).

The Eastern Zone stays solid with DPT. Whilst Central zone  is divided between DNT and DPT. And Western Zone divided between DNT and PDP.

DNT takes  overall vote number but DPT wins 22 constituencies. PDP wins 8 constituencies and DNT bags 17 constituencies. Somehow relieved that North Haa did not forsake Lyonchen Tshering Tobgay in this hour of darkness. It was by a whisker. South Haa was as expected solid for Lyonchen.

I think the continuous anti-DPT campaign during the last 5 years and huge Pay raise for MPs plus over submission to India did PDP in. And change of attitude in the last one year may have come too late.  

DNT did very well in tapping different types of anti- establishment sentiments. Such ploy enhanced  PDP woes though DNT could not even dent  DPT Party base.  So will PDP join hands with DNT? Some PDP candidates could join DNT. But DPT is here to stay as Ruling or as a strong Opposition. First democratic PM JYT's vision of Southern Bhutan Highway and Sovereign Foreign Relationship with other Nations besides India  lives on with DPT under President Pema Gyamtsho. Whichever Political Party wins in the General Election, I hope the Border Treaty is signed with China and Bhutanese sovereign dignity is enhanced with the Blessings of our People' King. India is a close friend but I cannot accept India as master of Bhutan. A Master is never a genuine Friend. 

 

Distasteful BBS man at Haa Debate forum

I did watch parts of debate forums of few other constituencies. But as a Haap, I witnessed the whole of the debate forum of the  two constituencies of Haa Dzongkhag. I enjoyed both and am proud of the ways the candidates held their grounds and stuck to the subject of the debate.

The decorum and procedures were well maintained and conducted but for the end political speech by BBS man. Did all BBS anchors interfere in similar manner in voters' thought process in other debate forums ?

What business does BBS man have in giving a concluding address to the voters of the nation? How come he is allowed by ECB to tell voters how to analyse the debates and for whom to vote?

The Debate forums are organised and should be paid for by ECB. BBS TV is only the medium not the organiser. Its service must be compensated by ECB from Election Fund. BBS TV is a Corporation. Not an authority on General Election.  

ECB has engaged the service of BBS personnels to be the anchors at the debate  forums because of their professional experience. So are many others engaged by ECB for various election assignments. But after conducting the debates, there should be no guiding address by anyone especially by the anchor.  To ask for congratulatory applause from the  audience and to thank all is a good customery  tashi delek concluding  procedure. But to direct voters on  how to analyse the debates and vote is mother of corruption. No wonder BBS has a cloud over its head. 

Teachers, Doctors & Rimpoches

Follow the Doctor, the path is sickness  and death.
Follow the Teacher, the path is knowledge and life.
Follow the Rimpoche, the path is either seduction or Compassion.   

A fight of no winner at ECB between Lyonpo Sonam Kinga the author and DPT the Political Party.

Media Arbitration Office of ECB in drawing an ill conceived conclusion about breach of social  media electoral regulations by the author in posting a gist of his forth coming book may be a bridge too far to cross. I doubt the grounds on which the ECB can stand upon to support the conclusion of its own office of media arbitration. 

Having said that, I agree that there is no doubt that the post puts DPT in bad light during a most awkward time of fighting an election. But can one question the legality or political electorial appropriateness  of the post which repeats what were mostly debated about in the last 5 years.  Moreover,  the post is a continuation of the author's string of his sentiments that expressed his distastes against DPT.  There was this " DPT would be the last Party I would join " statement from him. And sometime back, the author re-awakened the wechat controversy related to DPT Party at Tsirang. All these social media posts are related to DPT as a Political Party and this 2018 General Election.  

Is ECB media  arbitration office  of the view that third parties ( not political party or candidate ) but Bhutanese citizens cannot bring to light any view that may have substantial valid ground but damaging to the image of a Political Party?  Why must ECB dictate that voters/ public must treat Political Parties with silken gloves?   If such is the guiding principle of ECB,  then that is a gagging order upon the public. And certainly undemocratic in nature to be imposed during a democratic election process.

Political Parties and politicians are not sacrosanct under the constitution. So unless the allegation is dubious and unsubstantiated, it is fair game to target a Political Party or a candidate  especially during election time. At other times, such would be a cry in the wilderness in terms of impact so why even bother? 

Why is it against election law or social media regulation of ECB to express views personal or otherwise that have substantial valid ground? If these were new charges and have no substantiated grounds then it can be construed as attempt to wrongfully malign a Political Party with intent to reduce its success in the ongoing election. But here a royal court had already ruled that DPT committed siditious acts and the same verdict was not challenged by the Party for whatever reasons. I believe DPT had abstained from pursuing the said case further for the good cause of healing the nation. And I appreciate the exercise of good political sense on the part of DPT. However,  we cannot take the author to task for harping upon the seditious charges again. 

This latest post by the author certainly was uncalled for and may appear to damage DPT. But did it do any good to the stature of the author himself as the former NC Chairman and prevailing red scarf officer status? And moreover,  what good purpose did it serve the Institution of the Monarchy?

I am appalled by the post itself not just the timing. Bhutan has been making a transition from absolute monarchy to a democratic party system under a constitutional monarch. Democracy was granted as a gift from  the Throne and not wrested by a popular movement.

Still because of the complexities involved in the processes, the new path is fraught with dangers. The process is a precedent by itself in the world of international governing system. There will be mis-understandings, confusions, suspicions.
and trepidations. Lets not fuel it further..

The difference in style in thought and implemention is not limitted to the royal person of a King and the official pursuits of a Prime Minister. Unfortunately, undesirable selfish power interests and struggles of those who surround the Royal Secretariat and the Office of Prime Minister comes into plays.

Take for example the Tibetan Lamas' incarnation disputes. The incarnate problems are heightened by supporters and office bearers and in  many ways the spiritual incarnates are captive powers misused by those who outwardly claim  to serve the incarnates. I do not think that the two Karmapas will comes to blows if they meet but the followers in two camps are ready to eliminate the other if given the opportunity.

Therefore, in my opinion, Lyonpo Sonam Kinga's post has unnecessarily depicted a picture of Kingdom in transition turmoil. And this is a  image of Druk Yul that we can do without. We have problems but certainly so far all changes and grievances are very much absorbable and manageable within the constitutional provisions that Bhutan adopted 10 years ago.   

Bhutan as a democratic constitutional Kingdom is gradually tackling the epic transitional situations  in the best possible manner with ultimate goal to nuture the political process to a state where the people, the politicians and the institution of Monarchy are comfortable and productively geared towards preserving the national sovereign dignity, the promotion of gnh vision and goals of economic self reliance and the all pressing  immediate goals of reducing poverty and unemployment. 

In my view,  the fb post of the author has diluted his own social, political and intellectual statures. DPT as a Political Party is unhappy but I do not think  the post actually impacted the political ground of the Party negatively.  It could have hardened the resolve of DPT supporters and more sympathies from voters.

In his letter to ECB, Lyonpo/ Dasho Sonam Kinga makes a reference to himself taking up an apolitical post/ responsibilities in the very near future. That he contends  is one of the reason why he as an author of a book about politics had had to promote the book now within this limitted open  time space i.e. before taking up the apolitical post. I hope he is talking about an NGO post not an constitutional apolitical post. I feel he has unwittingly damaged any chance of impartially occupying a constitutional apolitical post as long as DPT exist as a  political entity. It is obvious that his deep distaste for DPT will make it difficult for him to conduct the responsibilities of a constitutional apolitical post holder in required impartial manner. Ofcourse I guess the Privy Coucil about which there used to be rumours of him joining is least to do with national political affairs where political Parties are concerned. Thus debatably  open for him if considered. 

I wish that DPT had not taken up this issue with ECB Media Arbitration. And that   the Media arbitration office should have ordered the author to remove what it now  deemed as " offensive post " without DPT even taking up the cause. It was there for the whole world to see. How come ECB Media Arbitration did not see it and if seen had kept silent ?

My humble and sincere advice to DPT President is please withdraw your complaint. Now you know where it is heading. If ECB does not over rule the ill conceived  conclusion of media arbitration office, this case is going to High Court. And you know what happens when everything under the sun and moon are dissected both in court and in public forum. A Political Party is damaged no matter how the verdict comes out ultimately. And others too get roped in the whirpool of hate politics. Please be serious by way of  deeds about healing the nation and serving Tsawa Sum. The author is only an individual not a political entity like a Political Party.

I pray for politically sensibility and individual responsibility in the future  course of actions by all three parties:  The author, the DPT Party and the ECB.   

Political flares and mostly irresponsible social media hawks of Political Parties.

There is so much talks and allegations about Dawa video clip which seems to have been released by DNT Party. So that was his introductory rabble rousing speech in the afternoon of DNT Party Convention held at RIM hall at Thimphu. A fb friend had kindly sent to me this clip a day before and I saw many later being shared in fb.  

I did not want to comment on it but there are too many supporters and detractors who say much and yet seem to have no idea about Dawa and BBS. It is no longer a Party issue either of  DNT or PDP. It reflects on the image of the nation. And I feel we need to get to the bottom of these allegations. Both BBS management and Dawa are answerable to truth, justice and the nation.

No one deserved to be maltreated as Dawa claims he was. There is a Kidu path ( approaching the King for protection from persecution ) . Was he denied a Royal Hearing/ Audience  opportunity? Sometimes this happens at the Royal Secretariat level. Or he did not bother until this politically opportune time to air his grievances ? If his claim is true, I applaud him for his patience, bravery  and maximum effect timing.  

Meanwhile Let me ask three favours (1) from DNT Party Secretariat and ( 2) & ( 3) from Dawa. I wish that all Parties had exercised some responsibility to the national image.

1. Dear DNT Party, could you also release the video clip of the  morning session of  your Convention?  The one that same BBS Dawa addressed the same gathering of Party Candidates,  supporters and media reps. at RIM hall that day. In the morning of the same session Dawa clarified from the stage to the Convention as follows:  

"  Some of the you on seeing me here on the stage may presume that I am also part of DNT team. I want to clarify to all  that I have nothing to do politically with DNT. I am here only to host the proceeding. The DNT Party requested me to be the MC and since this job is part of my profession, I have accepted."

And yet that afternoon of the same day, Dawa was declared DNT candidate from Bumthang and he as DNT csndidate  had delivered his seemingly  well prepared speech to fellow gathering of DNT Candidates and supporters at the Convention. And now almost a month later this clip is being shared all over the social media in the thicket of election fervour. 

I had attended the morning session of DNT Convention but left by lunch time ( just went to observe and returned home in time for lunch).   I did not hear about his this heart breaking speech. But the next day, when I came to know of his candidature, I questioned the duplicity of Dawa in telling the Covention in the morning that he had nothing to do politically with DNT and then be declared as DNT candidate a few hours later in the afternoon. Some of you may have come across my comments to this effect in the social media immediately after the DNT Party Convention. 

2.  Dear Dawa, could you also share video clips of your role as a Speaker during the orientation of Bhutanese youths who paid Nu: 700,000:00 ( seven hundred thousand ngultrums ) each to Tenzin Rigden & Co. for employment opportunity in Japan?  And how much fee was paid to you for each session of such Talks ? This programme was under investigation by ACC. Even the Minister of Labour was given leave of absence to enable ACC to conduct a fair investigation.

I wonder if ACC has as yet forwarded the case to OAG for prosecution and who are being charged for the crimes against innocent youths desperate for employment. Shame on all who are suspected by ACC of being  involved in duping the youths.

3. Dear Dawa, Sorry to hear that your resignation was accepted immediately and the very next day,  you had to leave BBS. Can you confirm or deny that you accepted one month additional salary ( without working ) because the Management wanted you to leave the very next day of your resignation submission ?

The general rule governing voluntary resignation or compulsory resignation  is that an employee or an employer must provide one month notice or in lieu of one month notice,  pay an amount equivalent to one month salary. In Dawa's case, he claims to have given one month notice of his  resignation to BBS management. . Thus for BBS management to relieve him the very next day, Dawa would have had to agree to accept the one month salary amount from BBS. A man in his stature had to know of such terms.

There are much more to say about all this. But I guess BBS Management and Dawa would have plenty of time in a Court to wash all their conscience.  It is hard to believe that this whole allegation will end with a speech by Dawa at DNT Party Convention. It would have if this speech clip was not released on social media and became the hit topic in this highly charged election atmosphere. 

    
  

 

An election that temporarily unsettles a nation.

10 days to go and then comes the heart thumbing Voting Day on Saturday the 15th September, 2018  Primary Election. By late evening, two of the 4 Political Parties would be in wilderness. And the other two that makes the cut will  be astounded. In an election, there just isn't a sure way till one hears the result. The hearts are right up there racing atop the lungs.

Long before the actual campaign hit the ground, politics was in the  air, desserts of  meals you ate and the lyrics of music you heard. It was at work place and at bars and drayangs and in temples.   Everyday there is a declaration of several candidates and even more speculations followed.  Then a nation wide familarisations tour began for DNT and BKP. Crowds had flocked around to hear them as well as gauge them but mainly because it was the begining of 3 months road show that they have been awaiting. Election time hearalds the power of the mass and thats what masses had  come to experience and celebrate.

Then one by one, each political Party held their Party convention in the capital city Thimphu.  The candidates would  have struggled much to get their home constituency supporters come all the way to attend the party conventions. Its an expensive affair and a huge logistic headache. But somehow, its managed with all enthusiasms and fanfares.

All Party conventions were grand and successful with each trying to outdo the previous convention both in numbers of attendees and propanda. Tall tales abounded  in abundance.

And now half way into the pitch of primary campaign, each political Party is offering their own defined moon and stars to the voters. You wonder why so much freebees and very little substance of statehood developments. Then you look inward to your selfish wants. Yes, the Politicians are promising what ever you ever wanted in carefree ways.

Jobs for all unemployed youths haha gullible youths; government schools & colleges for all students or state paid private academics; heavenly health cares almost Paradise like for all sick people many to breathe the last;   drinking water to your fills and irrigation for agriculture; loans and luxuries and wine and dine for next 5 years. The offer is as endless and as bizarre as are the unquenchable desires of voters. We deserve each other! And that is why amongst supporters, the desperations to thrust and jab is unbelievable. The political party we support must win by any and all means. But in the end, your struggles would be there all along with your life no matter which Political Party wins. So just be thankful for the illusionary 3 months interlude of being  prince and princess of pampered services.

So what happens when the 16th morning of this month dawns?  Some sadness will undoubtedly outlast the euphoria. But life will go on as 94  exhausted candidates ponder over the losses and another 94 revamp for the General round. I guess the cries of fouls and allegations of last 24 hours change of voter mind will be saved for the ultimate declaration of General Election result on 18th October.

The loyalty of the voters will quickly shift to the two qualified Political Parties. And back to fever pitch intensity of likes and dislikes and near cannibalism mood to beat the hell out of the other Political Party. And if the other two precedents are to follow,  the divide will never yield and the wounds salted to burn deeper  under the gnh bandage.