Every now and then, there comes a report that Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat ul Ibad and MQM Chief Altaf Hussain are not getting along. But each time, both men deny reports alleging this and reiterate their love and respect for one other. Dr Ibad has been governor since 2002. Despite reports alleging his imminent removal following the Ranger-led raid on MQM HQ Nine Zero, he continues to retain the position. However, this time it is none other than Altaf Hussain himself who has confirmed what he and Dr Ibad had previously disregarded as “baseless rumours”. While speaking to TV channels on Wednesday, Mr Altaf Hussain announced that Dr Ibad was no longer a representative of the MQM and called him “a representative of the establishment” instead. According to Mr Hussain, it is the governor’s indifference towards what he deems victimisation of the MQM that has earned him the new title bestowed by the chief himself. One thing is clear: the MQM chief hasn’t had a sudden change of heart. These are old differences coming to the surface as the MQM finds itself politically isolated and on the back foot against Rangers.
That being said, the thing about Altaf Hussain’s statements is that they are extremely vulnerable to retraction. Some attribute this to frequent mood swings. Others claim that they are meant to establish his authority. He resigns, they plead for the leader to return, he accepts. Perhaps it would be premature to suggest that Dr Ibad and the MQM under Mr Hussain have parted ways. The MQM chief might just be letting him know who is boss. It is true that Dr Ibad is widely considered as the ‘soft face’ of the party and holds considerable sway in the party assisted by the power he wields as governor. At a time when Mr Hussain is facing cases in London and his party is being cornered in Karachi, the minus-Altaf formula has once again become relevant. It makes sense for the MQM chief to lash out against someone he and many others consider an establishment-friendly aspiring replacement. How long before he takes his words back? And what if he doesn’t? Is this a manifestation of an internal strife in the party? Will Dr Ibad continue to occupy his current position and if so, then on whose behest? Or will the two make up and pretend nothing happened? It will all be revealed during the hard days that lie ahead for the MQM.