The Abrupt Cessation of JYT’s Celebrated Career is a Closed Book to the Nation

Barely after four months of JYT’s mysterious exit from Members of Parliament, it’s yet another mystery added to the utter astonishment of many supporters with JYT’s stepping down as the president of DPT. This is apposite from the context of ensuing events unfolded following General Election 2013. As some believe, the possibility of his resignation under duress cannot be ruled out. Nevertheless, it’s a subject of deep contemplation though. But for whatever reasons, it’s not the right time to resign at this point of time.

Such a distinguished leader, whose popularity and experience of governance is at peak, whose leadership is needed for a young and immature democracy, it’s saddening to see him out of public service prematurely. He has been the key player (apart from HM K4) in making Bhutan one of the most admired and a peaceful nation in the world at this time of age. I always believe that Bhutan has been blessed with leader like him and I am of the view that we may not get good leader as JYT in years to come.

There’s a gross misconception to construe JYT’s age as old enough for retirement as perceived by many. By Indian standard, the average age of politician is around 80. JYT’s age is just 61years which is a prime age for leaders. Retirement age for CEOs of the many notable companies normally have age limit around 75. His leadership as president of DPT and prime minister under democratic setup is just five years old and to think of ‘change’ at this point of time is in fact out of context. Some people are paranoid of this elusive catchword ‘Change’ without understanding what it really means as if Bhutan suffers from adversity. Are we looking for replacement of unprecedented peace and prosperity we are enjoying?

DPT under the leadership of JYT has emerged as a party who practices clean democracy, upholds principle of equity and justices, and takes hard decisions for the national interest at the risk of being unpopular in the eyes of voters. DPT is an embodiment of a group of society who truly believes in independence and clean democracy. However, without the influence of JYT, some people are of view if DPT could ever maintain its original ambience. Will DPT stand on its foot without excessively stooping too low to undue external influences?  

There’re people who think otherwise; JYT’s exit would allow DPT to be more independent and be more robust in their cause for clean democracy. This is because there’s a general reading that JYT wouldn’t let his Party to exercise its rights to the full extent to negotiate for any actus reus that comes along its way.

What has been explained and made official are not sufficient enough to justify his subsequent resignations. Whether the resignation is by the own free choice of JYT or under duress or under certain compelling situation, it’s a matter of concern for the country to have missed one of the most capable leaders in history. DPT with the new set of leaders has to prove and make their presence felt through over time because people take time to understand and assimilate. The abrupt ending of JYT's celebrated career is a mystery and a potential hypothesis that would explain how democracy flourished in Bhutan.