Rolu picnic anniversary celebrated sans Golay

EXPECT NEW PARTY ANNOUNCEMENT BETWEEN 10 TO 18 JAN 2013: BHOJRAJ
NAMCHI, 21 Dec: The 4th anniversary of the infamous Rolu Picnic was observed today here at Rolu, South Sikkim. Like the past two years, this year too, the dissident SDF MLA, PS Tamang [Golay] did not attend the celebrations but some of his close aides were present.
Golay supporters from different parts of the state attended the celebration, which, as per the organizers, was a purely non-political gathering. Although the picnic aspect lent a non-political colour to the event, the songs played during the occasion were composed by the Golay camp and the supporters also chanted slogans of ‘Parivartan’ while a band, also named ‘Parivartan’, entertained the gathering with live music.
Despite the organisers’ assertion that the event was a non-political one, political stirrings around this year’s Rolu picnic could not be ignored. Rumours of Mr. Tamang launching his political outfit on the occasion were in circulation, but those expecting such an announcement left disappointed as the dissident MLA failed to even make an appearance today.
While talking to media persons here at Rolu, former MLA and a close aide of Mr. Tamang, Bhojraj Rai, said that the new political party will be launched between 10 to 18 January next year and will not be registered in the name of Mr. Tamang. In fact he hinted that the party may be registered in his name.
On being asked whether the dissident MLA will resign from the SDF to officially become an Opposition leader, Mr. Rai said that due to “some technical reasons” Mr Tamang will not be resigning from his post as Upper Burtuk MLA.
He further stressed that the Rolu picnic was never a political stage. “It is a kind of gathering to enjoy the season and has been developed as a platform to take some time off from busy schedules and to relax”, he said.
Mr. Rai also informed that the name of the new political party and the party symbol are yet to be decided but will be finalized before 10 January 2013. The announcement of the new party will be made either in West or in South Sikkim at a formal programme and after its formation a huge public meeting might be organised at Jorethang, he added.
On Mr. Tamang’s claim of a number of sitting MLAs willing to join the new party after it is formed, Mr Rai reaffirmed that this was true and further claimed that some senior SDF leaders have already expressed their support to their ‘movement’.
Welcoming the formation of the Democratic Alliance of Sikkim [DAS], he stated that the decision to work with DAS would be made on a later date. Mr Rai further said that there is high possibility of mid-term assembly elections in the state.
On the party symbol, he mentioned that the candle is only one of the options suggested and they would accept whatever decision the Election Commission of India takes.