My Response to the Responders of OL’s Statement on PM’s Recent Malicious Comments

If I may add, let's be clear that in a democratic setup, 'speaking out' is a crucial element not only to keep the government under check and balance but also instill sense of ownership  to the people. Complacency is the greatest enemy of democracy. We cannot progress by letting someone to act at his/her whims. The OL's uncommon statement (in fact first of its kind comment) is mere a clarification. In fact, what Opposition did in response to the govt's action is extremely inadequate.

If you are up-to-date of the happenings, you must be aware of how this government is excessively putting the nation into a risky state. Without an iota of doubt, this government is proving anything but competent. The comments such as the one made by no other than Prime Minister of Bhutan is an indication how Bhutan has become vulnerable in the hands of present government. Irrespective of how the govt wronged, some people have become accustomed to construing anything pointed against the government as ‘politically motivated’ or something like ‘revenge’ while some people act smart under the guise of neutrality.

I shall like to believe that under normal condition, though the govt has absolute executive power, to cancel planned activity right away by Prime Minister without justifiable reason such as the one in Bumthang could be difficult. But from what we have witnessed so far, it makes sense to believe that this govt can do anything irrational. Pema Gatshel Dzong construction which was already initiated was left to suffer under the guise of fund constraint while Sarbang Dzong Construction which was nowhere in picture in recent time has been proposed to construct by this new government. I’d like to again relate  govt’s irresponsibility to that of PM’s visit to eastern Bhutan; When PM visited all Dzongkhag of Eastern Bhutan, he has deliberately ignored (as I now understood) Pema Gatshel Dzongkhag, the stronghold of DPT supporter and the Dzongkhag of former PM.

 

My recent customized poll in face book shows that 73% of the people who have voted strongly agreed for govt to step down while only 13% has disagreed with the idea. I think it’s definitely a cause of concern for the country. In this time of uncertainty, I can only say that we should be prepared for the worst if complacent is our choice.

The rudiments of haves and have-nots in Bhutan

The most notorious of all who's responsible for widening the gap between rich and the poor is the inadequate fiscal and taxing policies in the country. Civil servants or corporate employees contribute a decent share of his/her meagre salary as Personal Income Tax to the government but the businessmen who earn in millions don't have to pay even a single ngultrum as PIT because they could make it fool proof. On the pretext of 'illiterate,' their business income is also grossly manipulated by hiding their true account of business. It's generally accepted norms that the tax on Business are levied based on the visual inspection and approximation of physical stocks at that point of time which are mostly undervalued/manipulated (with exception of few cases).

The other notorious factor responsible for income disparity is the govt's policy of going soft (with less tax) with the so called 'small' business group. The government's strategic idea that business ventures would grow by giving them tax holiday is making the situation worst unintentionally.

 
What we see as consequences of above facts is that while people working on salary could hardly make their ends met, many businessmen could afford luxurious life with expensive cars, furniture and other properties. Therefore, it’s sensible to simply believe that we needed to revisit the whole system before it goes out of control.

India’s Interference in our 2013 General Election is Unfortunate.

There's is a growing number of Bhutanese with anti-India sentiment especially after the 2013 General Election. The India's unexpected interference in our national election has left permanent dent that'll never be cleared in the minds of people of Bhutan through generations. No matter how and what India do to Bhutan, she will never regain the trust and heart of the Bhutanese like before. This was the greatest blunder India had committed to an absolutely harmless tiny kingdom. Due to the geopolitical reality, Bhutan may suffer from arbitrary subjection of India but Bhutan will never bow to lick her shoes.

The culture of 'preferent’ political party has been established which I believe is most dangerous for the security and sovereignty of the kingdom. What India failed to see was that whoever comes to power is only for temporary. It may have fulfilled its wish to have its preferred party in power for once but I don’t think people of Bhutan will be fooled twice. India has demonized DPT apparently for no credible reasons and forced him to turn away. If DPT forms the next government, by default, there's likely that its policy will be inclined towards north. Such a trend is not good for the country but this is what it has been conditioned by India.  

With Congress increasingly facing stiff completion from BJP and the likeness that it my exit from government, Bhutan has good opportunity to exercise autonomy in affairs related to foreign relation including the strict control of development of hydropower projects in Bhutan. When it comes to assistance to Bhutan, BJP may not match Congress but BJP is certainly liberal in matters related to foreign affairs. However, whether Bhutan could seize the opportunity is a big question as we don’t have government who could do that job.