“The Phuensum Tshogpa has never campaigned. What we actually did was a familiarization where there was a mutual education between the people and the politicians,” said Jigmi Thinley. “DPT educated them on democracy and freedom of choice, whereas people educated us on their hopes, needs and aspirations.”

He said that the party would ensure growth with equity and justice but did not say what the party would do for the people of the Nubi gewog.

Jigmi Thinley said that road access was important and that all the 205 gewogs in the country should have a road. “With roads, everything could be enhanced, the existing infrastructure can be improved and economic prosperity brought to the people.” He also said that electricity and drinking water were other services, after road access, that were important.

The DPT president said that people should consult whom to vote for but ultimately it was their own decision. He, however, warned the people not to vote for the party that bribes them, as it would be like sowing seeds the fruit of which they would reap later. “If you vote for the wrong party, the party will become the prime focus instead of people being the main focus in democracy,” said Jigmi Thinley. “It is where dictatorship and authoritarian rule sets in.”

For some people who attended the DPT campaign launch, the president’s speech on not having to fear anyone was important. “I always thought I’d be deprived of any welfare if I vote for the losing party,” said a farmer from Simphu. “Today I realize I don’t have to fear anyone as my single vote is a gift from the fourth Druk Gyalpo.”

On asking why the people of Nubi gewog should vote for DPT, the DPT president said that DPT is a party that people can trust. “The action of the party should be borne in mind,” he said. “DPT, throughout our familiarisation, has proven our trustworthiness and, as a party, DPT will stand for truth and justice while we abide by the laws and traditions of the country.”

Except for the crying of babies and ringing of mobile phones, the campaign launch meeting went off.

However, the party manifesto distributed to the people was the English version and most of the people attending the launch meeting were farmers. The president, however, assured that the dzongkha version of the manifesto would be distributed to the public soon.

No refreshment was given and no lunch served to the people. “We’ll vote for the party that gives us a road,” said a farmer from Pang.

The party president, along with candidates of the dzongkhag, left for lower Trongsa after the meeting.

The symbolism of Trongsa
Launching the party campaign from Trongsa was symbolic as the party recognizes the monarchy as a life force of the Bhutanese state and it was in Trongsa where the institution was born, according to the party president.

“It is our pledge to serve and strengthen the institution just as it has served the country for the last 100 years,” said Jigmi Y Thinley.

“We want to have the strength and faith our forefathers had.”

The party president also said that he is sentimentally attached to Trongsa as he was the only civil servant to receive a red scarf from His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo as a ‘nyikem’ back in 1986 in Trongsa dzong.

For the gathering of about 1,500 people from Nubi gewog, party supporters of Bumthang, Zhemgang and Wangduephodrang, the launching is equally symbolic as it clearly depicts how much faith DPT has in our tradition.

“Trongsa played an important role in the past, giving it a revival would motivate a lot of people to vote for the party,” said Ugyen from Kaba.

Source: Kuensel