SKM marks Golay protest's 10 years

 RAVIDAS, TT, 22 Dec 2018, Rolu (South Sikkim): The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha on Friday organised a massive show-of-strength with hundreds of supporters gathering on the banks of the Rangeet river to mark the 10th anniversary of the day when P. S. Golay, the SKM president, first raised his voice of protest against Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling.

The SKM organises picnic at this spot, which is on the state highway between Melli and Jorethang, on most years as a mark of protest against the Chamling-led ruling Sikkim Democratic Front, which has been in power for close to 25 years.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Golay iterated the stated positions of his party on most issues, but slightly qualified its stance on having a pre-poll alliance with anti-SDF parties. "We are not in talks with any party (on an alliance). We are, however, open to an idea of an alliance," he said.

On August 10 when Golay was released from prison after serving a year's term after being convicted for corrup- SKM supporters on the bank of the Rangeet river at Rolu on Friday. Picture by Passang Yolmo tion, the SKM president had given a clarion call for all parties opposed to the SDF to unite to overthrow the Chamling regime.

Observers said the subtle change in the SKM position on a pre-poll tie-up is indicative of the buoyancy in the party on its prospects in the Assembly elections slated for middle of next year.

"Since the time Golay was released, he has been touring the state extensively, and getting very good response. The crowds and their passion on display particularly at the time of his release from prison and today suggest Golay and SKM remain the real threat to SDF and Chamling, come elections 2019," said an observer.

December 21 in the life of Golay is significant because it was on this day in 2009 that he first called for a change in the leadership of Chamling while he was still an MLA of SDF. Interestingly, Golay quit SDF in September 2013, six months after he launched the SKM in proxy in February of that year.