Down but not out

April 5, 2009: Two Sundays ago, when a blushing, shocked and confused opposition leader was grabbed by his wrist and forced to sit on the chair meant for the PDP president by his mentor Sangay Ngedup, the party that many said would die was fledging for a new day.
The 400 odd party members clapped.
Though the RAPA auditorium was packed, it lacked the charm of the enviable number of 21,422 registered members the party had a year ago.
That was Sangay Ngedup’s PDP, and his strong stallion galloping toward the morning sun. But on assuming the mantle of the party, reluctance was writ on Tshering Tobgay’s face.
“I became the president because we did not have a choice,” he told the party members who gathered in the morning to request Sangay Ngedup to continue as president.
As the 44-year old opposition leader made his first speech as party president, his shoulders inclined toward the podium, as if he carried a heavy burden, seemingly a flogged, dejected and tired horse.
As president, Tshering Tobgay’s job is to keep the 33% votes they secured in the last election and, at the same time, to make new inroads into DPT strongholds.
“Difficult,” said a friend of Tshering Tobgay and one among hundreds of his Facebook buddies. Of the 253,012 votes cast in the elections, PDP bagged 83,522, which PDP fanatics say went to the charisma of Sangay Ngedup and the reward of his close connection to people in rural Bhutan.
People who have seen Sangay Ngedup have also seen Tshering Tobgay, as a constant shadow with massive cheek bones, a ready smile, and a passionate conversationalist polished by a Harvard degree.
“But, let’s be honest, he is not the right guy to take on the DPT president who has been around for a long time,” said a senior journalist.BT talked to 50 people from different age groups and backgrounds on Tshering Tobgay. And, “not surprising” as a retired civil servant put it, 87% of the respondents said Tshering Tobgay is not the right person for the top party post.
But his easy approachable nature, well articulated arguments in the parliament, and his tenacity to write blogs everyday on national issues, seems not very well appreciated.About 60% of respondents were civil servants, who have known Tshering Tobgay as their colleague in the government and, for some, friends in school or college. Interestingly, they harbored a dislike toward him, for reasons which they could not explain.
Some dislike the way he looks, others listed old college grudges. Few said he was a sycophant. “He has not done anything personal against me. But it is just like that,” a civil servant said about his dislike toward Tshering Tobgay. He is a good opposition leader, many agree.“But who wouldn’t when the opposition only comprises of two people?” questioned a senior government official.
However, most respondents said Tshering Tobgay was finally gaining popularity after being disliked for many years, but to sustain his popularity would be a difficult task. “A person disliked will always be disliked if they are not careful,” said a lecturer.
A National Council MP said popular opinion need not reflect the reality. “Give him a chance,” said the MP.
The new PDP spokesperson, Dr. Tandi Dorji, is optimistic about the party under the leadership of Tshering Tobgay.Tandi Dorji expects about 1000 members to register with PDP this year. “Every day we get stronger and we will rope in more people through voluntary registrations,” he said.
Norbu Wangchuk, a consultant, said PDP and Sangay Ngedup were almost inseparable, with his resignation PDP has lost its identity. The party must establish a new identity which is a big challenge, he said.Many party sympathizers also believe that with Sangay Ngedup’s resignation it will be difficult to garner money for PDP’s sustenance and to pay back loans.
But Tshering Tobgay is not a person who would resign to setbacks and succumb to mudslinging. This tough Haap who grew up listening to stories of the legendary fighter, Ap Chundu, knows that the show must go on.
He and the party cannot keep lamenting on the loss of their shepherd, Sangay Ngedup.“We still have opportunities, it is a loss to PDP but not a big blow,” said Tshering Tobgay.