Three are from Trashigang

Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) declared four candidates amid a gathering of party leaders and party supporters in the capital yesterday.

Three of the four candidates are from Trashigang. Dr Samdrup R Wangchuk will contest from Kanglung-Udzorung-Samkhar, Dr Chenga Tshering from Thrimshing-Kangpara and Tashi Dorji from Radhi Sakteng. Kinley Tshering, 40, from South Thimphu will replace incumbent MP Yeshey Zimba.

Dr Samdrup R Wangchuk, 53, worked as a dentist in JDWNR hospital. He said that DPT’s strong support base both in his constituency and across the country inspired him to join the party.

“I thank the party for giving me the opportunity,” he said.

Dr Chenga Tshering, 45, is a veterinary doctor. He holds a PhD in Veterinary Medicine from Yamaguchi University Japan and Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry from College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Maratwada Agriculture University, India.

He worked as a programme director at National Highland and Research Development Centre, Jakar, Bumthang. He also worked as livestock officer in Paro.

Dr Chenga Tshering said that despite criticisms, the party’s ideology of equity and justice would prevail. “I had the opportunity to understand and learn about the people’s issues at the grassroots,” he said.

Tashi Dorji, 32, a graduate from Gaeddu College of Business Studies is a former Bank of Bhutan employee. He said that although he is young, he would seek the seniors’ guidance in his new political career. “I will work towards strengthening the party’s already strong support base in my constituency,” he said.

Kinley Tshering, 40, is a former manager with Tashi Bank Limited, Head Office. He said he would use DPT as a platform to serve the King, country and people.

He has a Bachelors degree in Business Administration (Management) from Spicer Memorial College, Southern Adventist University in India.

Speaking to party members and supporters, opposition leader and DPT president Pema Gyamtsho (PhD) said that the size of the crowd reflected the party’s support base. About 100 people were present.

DPT, he said enjoyed popular support in Thimphu and Trashigang. “We give importance to those aspiring candidates who value our principles and values,” he said.

The opposition leader said that the party has worked towards strengthening security and sovereignty both as a government and opposition. The party would give continuity to its policies, he added.

He said that although some members would retire with the completion of their current tenure, they would remain members. “The senior leaders would assist the candidates in the election,” the opposition leader said.

Welcoming the new candidates, Yeshey Zimba said that Bhutanese people are wise and would make the right decision. “If we work hard, the result would be in our favour,” he said.

He assured that outgoing of senior leaders, including him, would not affect the party. “All the candidates are capable of shouldering the responsibility,” he said.

Yeshey Zimba said that the outgoing members would continue to serve the country and the party in their own capacity. “There is no need to worry that we are retiring. We have streamlined things and we are a complete party.”