The news came as mere hearsay among the parliament members that Jigmi Y Thinley, mastermind behind the mass eviction of thousands of innocent citizens, would not take his seat in the parliament as member of opposition party.
JYT tendered his resignation before the sitting of the parliament which did not come out until he is seen absent from the opposition bench.
According to media reports from inside, the former Prime Minister tendered his resignation even before the formation of new parliament was completed. Earlier, DPT party meeting in YDF hall decided to petition the king to consider the election result, alleging that PDP had used “unfair means” to get votes.
Having failed to get the K5’s decree to reconsider the election, Jigmi Y Thinley remained absent from the state functions taking place to start a new parliament.
The new Speaker of the House, Jigme Zangpo, who is just taking his position, said he was aware of the resignation but hesitated to elaborate.
“It has come as a shock to the voters especially from his constituency and the nation as whole that a leader with decades of experience in administration at different portfolios should not have done so. Nation is at loss,” said one of the former members of parliament from Thimphu, requesting anonymity with BNS.
“Person of his stature and capability is need of time in the opposition to strengthening the young democracy. It will be different criticizing and appreciating ruling party’s move from within the parliament and outside. This move of his shall decline the trust of people towards already downsized DPT in future”, the anonymous source opined.
According to the Election Commission, the vacancy created will be filled within 90 days by conducting election for which a writ filing is required.
It is not yet clear whether JYT addressed his resignation to the Speaker or Secretary of the parliament.
Yeshey Zimba is now the officiating party head of Thinley’s party while Dr. Pema Gyamtsho has been nominated as the Opposition Leader.
