DPT VP Lily Wangchuk Resigns

By Phurpa Wangmo

Close to four years after joining the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) party and contesting the 2018 general elections from North Thimphu, Lily Wangchuk the founder of erstwhile DCT party has resigned from the opposition party.

The 49-year-old, who was also the founder and President of Druk Chirwang Tshogpa which did not make it past the primaries in the 2013 general elections, said she opted to join DPT based on her understanding and agreement that DPT will include the social agenda of her, then dissolved party, Druk Chirwang Tshogpa.

She said her enthusiasm to contribute positively to our fledgling democracy was further bolstered when she was approached by Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) in 2017. Following her affiliation with the party, it earned her a party ticket to contest from North Thimphu which she eventually lost.

However, she said her inner urge to contribute and stand up for the voiceless especially women, youth, disabled and people from disadvantaged backgrounds had struck a chord in her when DPT approached her.

“But most importantly, I saw my entry into DPT as an opportunity to contribute towards national solidarity and unity which had got affected since the political transition,” Lily Wangchuk said, as she resigned from the party after serving close to four years. 

Lily said that she has now resigned from the post of Vice President of the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa and have applied to withdraw from the primary membership of the party. “I have had great experience working with the most seasoned politicians of our young democracy.”

She also firmly believes that if the motivation of embracing politics is pure and positive, it is also a platform to practice spirituality.  With the new leash of my life, I couldn’t wait to serve the Tsa-Wa-Sum. 

One of the primary reasons for resigning from the party, according to her, is that after not getting elected in the 2018 elections she has not been able to serve as she had intended. “As I was not elected and could not represent the party in the National Assembly, my positive contributions to the party from within became challenging,” she said.

She said that being at the background of the opposition party, has not rendered opportunity for her to fulfill the aspirations to align the party’s image as well as its policies with the unique democracy that Bhutan must have considering the geo strategic location and geopolitics in the region.

“I have always believed that our Monarchs know the best how to steer our country in the 21st century. Being a young democracy, it is important to derive inspiration as well as seek the enormous knowledge of leadership and governance from His Majesty the King,” Lily said.

However, the 49-year-old says that she is gratified for being able to motivate women to embrace politics, represent the voices of women, youth and disadvantaged groups which have now been mainstreamed in DPT’s manifesto.

As a founding member of Bhutan Democracy Dialogue, Lily has also contributed a lot in enhancing dialogues and political discourses among politicians and various stakeholders.

Resigning from DPT, Lily said she is grateful to the party leadership, members and supporters within the party for the responsibility and trust reposed in her and said she will cherish the special memories shared with them. 

“I am optimistic that this decision will pave way for the younger and enthusiastic political aspirants,” she said.

Lily Wangchuk said her political journey began in 2012 after her battle with cancer, which eventually pushed her into politics desirous of being a part of positive contribution.

“It is my genuine hope that all political parties of the present and future will not be blinded by the short-term gain but work towards setting Bhutan off on a journey towards the best democracy in the world, because Bhutan and our Kings deserve this for their sacrifices,” she said.