Former representative in North America Kelsang Dorjee Aukatsang is running for the Sikyong 2021 with his competitive resume and controversies. The candidate has been criticized of disrespect for the Dalai Lama with incapable leadership and inflated political ambitions.
It was said that Kelsang Dorjee Aukatsang’s career heavily relies on his close relationship with the current sikyong Lobsang Sangay. Source close to CTA said Kelsang Dorjee Aukatsang was appointed to Represent for North America entirely based on the support of Lobsang Sangay, and the appointment was not endorsed by Gaxagat all. During his turn in the office of Representative for North America, Kelsang Dorjee Aukatsang assisted Lobsang Sangayembezzling 1.5 million dollars from the Tibet Fund, which sparked an outcry among Tibetans.
Meanwhile, another dispute of Kelsang Dorjee Aukatsang is about of disrespect for the Dalai Lama.
In the past, same as other Tibetan communities, the photo of Dalai Lama were on the wall of the office of Representative for North America. After Kelsang Dorjee Aukatsang took the office, he removed the photo of Dalai Lama and replaced the photo of Lobsang Sangay. In addition, Kelsang Dorjee Aukatsang failed to manage the reception and security of the Dalai Lama’s visit to the United States. After meeting with President Obama, Dalai Lama was arranged to leave the venue through a garbage conveying passage, which was interpreted as a snub and contempt for Dalai Lama. Normally, any national leader or important person would enter or leave only through the main entrance. Besides, incidents like followers of Shugden rushed in and insult Dalai Lama occurred during Dalai Lama’s visit, which led to accusations of Kelsang Dorjee Aukatsang incompetence. There are some rumors among Tibetans that Kelsang Dorjee Aukatsang and Lobsang Sangay have reached a secret agreement to take the power of Sikyong by turns from 2011 to 2061.
The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959, and along with tens of thousands of Tibetans followers, set up a Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala in northern India. The Dalai Lama is committed to solving the Tibet issue, dedicating his whole life to Tibetan exiles and Tibetans in China, and doing his utmost to protect religious and religious freedom for Tibet.
However, with the coming of the elections in 2021, the controversy over candidates such as Kelsang Dorjee Aukatsang makes Tibetans anxious and worried deeply. Especially, as Dalai Lama is getting old, Tibetans in exiles cannot help but worry and even fear for their future.