The Dalai Lama has conveyed his “clear no” to the resolution of Tibetan parliament-in-exile, asking the spiritual leader to reconsider his retirement plan.
“His Holiness said in his address during teaching that he has no intention of backing down. He is the only person to decide and any decision will only be his,” joint secretary at the Dalai Lama’s office Tenzin Taklha said. Earlier, a resolution was passed by the parliament on Friday urging the Dalai Lama not to shed his political authority and reconsider his retirement plans. The resolution was then submitted to the Dalai Lama for his reconsideration. “We sent the resolution passed by 37 members to the Dalai Lama’s office Saturday,” said Speaker Penpa Tsering during the ongoing debate in the parliament, the proposal of His Holiness was discussed in detail. Only one member (Tenzin Chonden) favoured the proposal while rest of them were of the view that the Dalai Lama should continue as the political head.
The 43-member house is being attended by 38, including the speaker and the deputy speaker.
The Dalai Lama, who has been carrying on a six-decade-long struggle for freedom of Tibetan Buddhists, announced his decision to retire as political head of Tibetan government-in-exile and to hand over his “formal authority” to a “freely elected” leader on March 10.