How to Political Analysts see India’s move to restore kerosene and LPG subsidy to Bhutan?
Many political analysts see this as a step taken to affect the outcome of the recently held polls in Bhutan. India was not happy with Bhutan under the rule of Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) and its Prime Minister Jigmey Thinley who was seeking Chinese support for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Bhutan without taking India into confidence held two rounds of talks with the Chinese once in Thimphu and then a summit in Rio in order to settle its border.
India’s withdrawal of the subsidy led to substantial increase in the prices of LPG and kerosene. With the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) winning the elections it was claimed that India was successful in making high LPG and kerosene prices a poll issue as it added to the charges of economic mismanagement.