LAHORE- No change on political scene is possible unless the PML-N takes a firm decision to vote out the government and also plays an active role for the purpose. And the PML-N is less likely to move against the PPP because such a step is likely to lead to retaliation in Punjab. The unification of the PML-N and the PML (Q) and other factions, however, can save the Punjab government from any retaliatory step likely to be taken by the PPP. The PPP and the PML-N have 125 and 92 seats, respectively, in the National Assembly. This means 217 in a 342-seat house, or 45 more than 172 votes required to form a government. If the PML-N stays neutral, as it appears at present, all remaining parties cannot get simple majority even if they get united. In other words, the ouster of the present government will not be possible if the PML-N doesnt lend support to such a move. But in case the PML-N changes its mind and starts taking part in activities aimed at bringing an in-House change, the PPP may immediately withdraw its support to the PML-N in Punjab. And once 100 plus legislators of the PPP part ways with the PML-N, the Chief Minister will not be left with the majoritys support unless the PML-Q, which has some 80 MPAs in the House, comes forward. And the PML-Q will not support the PML-N unless the two factions get united or reach some kind of agreement. The Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif requires a support of at least 186 MPAs in the 372-seat House. The PML-N has over 170 MPAs of its own. Once the PPP is not seen with the PML-N, Governor Salman Taseer will get a justification to use his power and ask the Chief Minister to show his majority in the Punjab Assembly. The PML-Q dissidents, in such a situation, will not be allowed to support the Chief Minister against the policy of their party. That the dissidents have enough numbers to have their own Parliamentary leader and thus take a decision on supporting the PML-N government is a point which remains to be settled. There is no other way for the present government to prove its majority in the 372-seat House. This means that the meetings between various leaders of the Opposition parties going on since the JUI-F parted ways with the government will not produce any results unless the PML-N is on board. The MQMs ultimatum to the PPP that it explain its position on the allegations levelled against it by Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza can also not force the government to change its position. Interestingly, Dr Mirza reiterated those allegations on Saturday, implying that the PPP is prepared to deal even with the worse situation to be created by the MQM.