Tibetan Parliament asks Dalai Lama to reconsider retirement

DHARAMSALA: With most members of exiled Tibetan parliament not in favour of endorsing the Dalai Lama's proposal to retire from political duties, the ball is back in the Dalai Lama's court with the parliament asking him to reconsider his retirement.

The parliament, which has been holding its annual budget session, deliberated on the proposal for a week. Majority of the members opposed Dalai Lama's proposal.

Penpa Tsering, speaker of exiled Tibetan Parliament, said a resolution was passed on Friday which had been subsequently submitted to the Dalai Lama on Saturday. He said the parliament had debated the proposal of the Dalai Lama, and most members wanted the Dalai Lama to continue providing leadership to the Tibetans fighting for their homeland.

The Dalai Lama's formal proposal had sent shockwaves among the exiled Tibetans who will be voting to elect the prime minister of the exiled Tibetan government and 44 members of 15th exiled Tibetan Parliament on Sunday.

Notwithstanding the uncertainty over the Dalai Lama's retirement question, the Tibetans living here were excited and looking forward to using their right to franchise.

Dicky, a 35-year old who had voted twice said that she was sad that the Dalai Lama had announced his retirement but added she was waiting impatiently for Sunday's voting to cast her vote.

Posted in: Dalai Lama