Cracks appear in Asif-led PPP

[Naveed Yaseen]

By Faizan Bangash
CRACKS have become obvious in the Asif Zardari-led PPP with the resignation of two key figures and the trust deficit in the leadership is on the rise due to several controversial decisions.

The series of controversial decisions, including the imposition of governor’s rule, appointments of ‘blue-eyed’ figures on key slots, cornering of close aides of slain party Chairperson Benazir Bhutto, use of force against political workers and media curb have added much to the prevailing uncertainty among party members who seem perturbed over the declining popularity of the party under the stewardship of the co-chairman.

Sources in the PPP revealed that distrust among majority of party members in the incumbent leadership - apparently surrounded by a group of sycophants and favourites - is mounting and resignation of two key figures in the cabinet of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani, including Raza Rabbani and Sherry Rehman, has raised eyebrows.

Raza Rabbani, who had been associated with the PPP for decades and was a close aide to slain party chairperson Benazir Bhutto resigned form the slot of Leader of House in Senate and then from the ministry in protest against the nomination of Farooq H Naek for the slot of Senate chairman. Raza Rabbani, known as a comrade in the party is not the first example neglected by the PPP that is no more led by Benazir Bhutto.

Prior to this, people close to slain chairperson, including Naheed Khan, Dr Safdar Abbasi and Aitzaz Ahsan, were also cornered.

Moreover, the resignation of Sherry, who resigned over the controversial move to put curbs on media especially Geo TV, is another precedent of distrust in the party leadership. Sherry, who resigned over government’s handling of media affairs and insistence of ‘policy makers’ in party to impose restrictions on electronic media is dubbed as a great blow to the credibility of PPP within its cadres. Sources also stated that Sherry also had heated arguments with a few party leaders, including Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, and had to resign after she felt that she had failed to persuade the ‘policy makers’.

Sources revealed that party stalwarts in their indoor discussions and parleys have started to criticise controversial decisions and are concerned over the looming uncertainty about the fate of party in next polls without a leader like Ms Bhutto’s. A decision which is under severe criticism by majority of party members is the imposition of governor’s rule in Punjab, which has so far not only failed to ‘deliver’ but has also became a major reason for the prevailing confrontation on the political front.

A majority of party stalwarts believe that this decision was only meant to benefit a few party members and favourites whereas rest of the party had been left to defend this decision.

Besides, the emerging prospect of party’s alliance with PML-Q termed Qatil League by the party Co-chairman on December 29, 2007 in a press conference at Naudero is not welcomed by party members. Most of them, including local groups, who have had bitter relationship with ‘Q’ want the party to keep its distance from it (Q) even if they are forced to sit on opposition benches in Punjab.

The cornering of close aides of Benazir and the widening gap between workers and leaders is another reason for the lack of trust in the party leadership.

Apart from Naheed and Safdar, the party has seen several such precedents during the recently held Senate polls where the show was dominated by favourites. During the Senate polls, the party mostly gave priority to favourites and ‘humble’ characters, including even those who didn’t have a footing in the party prior to this.

Dr Israr Shah, a member of PPP who lost his two legs during the movement for the restoration of judiciary in Ms Bhutto’s life in a suicide attack, Farhatullah Babar, the party spokesman, and several others weren’t consulted by party leadership when tickets were awarded to General Secretary Jehangir Badr, Rehman Malik, Farooq Naek, despite severe opposition from party cadres.

Sources have revealed that following the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, a new lot of ‘favourites’ surrounding the presidency is considered the main reason for the widening gap between workers and leaders and party’s sinking popularity.

A senior party leader requesting anonymity called the resignation of two main members from the cabinet a great blow to the party. He stressed that the incumbent leadership would have to review several of its decisions otherwise the party would suffer. He said the party could only remain united if the leadership breaks the circle of ‘favourites’ and kept the party onboard while making decisions.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=167309