KARACHI - The PML-N Sindh has started chipping off as after the resignation of Syed Ghous Ali Shah from the post of provincial president, a number of provincial, divisional and district office-bearers of the party have also resigned from their posts.
According to reports now Sardar Mumtaz Ali Bhutto has hinted to revive his party Sindh National Front which he had merged with the PML-N, as he was under pressure from his party cadres who was disappointed by the PML-N leadership on a number of issues. The dejected cadres of the party complained that the central leadership had ignored its Sindh chapter while taking decision on important issues.
Observers are of the view that the uncertain situation erupted in the party after the election of Mamnoon Hussain for the Presidential slot. They said both Shah and Bhutto were aspirants of the top slot of the country.
Political observers said though the inclusion of Mumtaz Bhutto and Liaquat Jatoi in PML-N ranks was welcomed by the high command but with the passage of time they proved as liability for the party as they failed to organise the party in their areas.
In May elections the PML-N could not win just one seat from Larkana, Dadu, Khairpur, Thatta and Tando Allahyar despite the fact the party chief visited these districts and addressed public meetings.
Observers are of the view such individuals have joined the PML-N for a greener pasture and for their political survival as they could not find place in other political parties. Liaquat Jatoi had earlier tried to join the PPP; however, after severe opposition from the PPP leaders of Dadu, his dream of joining the PPP could not be materialised.
They said the PML-N in Sindh was in disarray since Oct 1999 and the party affairs were being run through an adhoc body in absence of the party leadership.
However, Ghous Ali Shah was elevated to the post of provincial president after hectic tussle between provincial party ranks but the situation remained the same.
Due to infighting a number of party loyalists such as Sardar Rahim quitted the party in sheer disappointment.
Analysts said neither the high command nor the provincial leadership tried to strengthen the party in the province. However, they always fight to grab the party position as a result of which the party could not take roots at the lower level. Even the new comers like of Marvi Memon, who tried to reorganise and energise the party at the grass root, were also sidelined.
According to reports the PML-N high command is considering the name of Murtaza Jatoi as president Sindh. The elder son of veteran politician late Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi has merged his National Peoples Party into the PML-N soon after the general elections in which his party clinched both national and provincial assembly seats from his hometown Naushehro Feroze.
On the other hand, in a surprising development, Pakistan Muslim League (F) says that it will welcome Ghous Ali Shah, the estranged PML-N provincial chief who has quit the party, within its ranks.
PML-F Sindh General Secretary Imtiaz Sheikh termed Mr Shah’s resignation as a major blow to the PML-N. He claimed that Ghous Ali Shah had contacted PML-F chief Pir Pagaro before leaving for Umrah. “Our party will welcome Shah Sahib if he decides to join us.”