PM says not worried over 2018 moves by Opposition and DNT

The Prime Minister Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay, who is also the People’s Democratic Party President, said that he was not worried with the various political developments as 2018 approaches closer.

One political development is in reference to the Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa’s (DNT) open offer to Druk Chirwang Tshogpa (DCT) and Bhutan Kuen-Nyam Party (BKP) to unite against PDP and DPT for 2018. The other is the Opposition Leader declaring that the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) is the strongest party on the ground after an 18 Dzongkhag tour meeting local government leaders and local people.

“We have been so focused on development work, delivering our mandate and on serving the people that we forget we are politicians. In some ways it is a timely reminder,” said the PM.

He said that the government’s single minded focus is on fulfilling its mandate and serving the Tsa-Wa-Sum and so will not be distracted with politics at this time.

The PM said that new that DNT is trying to merge with other parties to form a ‘third front’ is a welcome development because strong parties are necessary for Bhutan. He said that parties should not disappear.

“We hope DPT can keep its party alive and if in fact the Opposition feels it is the strongest party at this time then we welcome the news,” said the PM.  The PM said he is happy to see that DPT is that confident.

The PM recounting his own experience in the Opposition said that he and Lyonpo Damcho Dorji not only had to play the role of Opposition in Parliament but they also had to keep the party alive.

“As far as PDP is concerned at this time rather than get into politics and think of 2018 we will strive to fulfill our mandate and serve the people and we will let our record speak for itself,” said the PM.