PML-N leaders, workers resent Blocs adoption

LAHORE Certain level of resentment is simmering in the PML-N party circles after its top leadership has adopted the Unification Bloc, carved out of the PML-Q elected representatives of the Punjab Assembly, and the party insiders believe that this is actually a division within the N-League, but it is yet to become visible as such because of an expected unwavering loyalty. However, the PML-N provincial spokesperson has vehemently denied it, and was of the considered opinion that no one disliked the move. He neither approved of the stance of those, who had disliked the adoption. It is a matter of record that other political parties and their leaders have already shown their disliking for the move. The Sindh Provincial Assembly went to the extent of passing a resolution condemning the permission granted to the Forward Bloc members for having separate benches. Moreover, statements of PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif and President Shahbaz Sharif are on record that they would never allow 'Quisling turncoats enter the Party. This was their stance during their exile, and even after returning to the country. What has forced them to take this decision, which is direly contradictory to their previous stance? questioned the partymen, who requested anonymity. A glaring example of this resentment can be found on Facebook where a local leader has attached a statement of a party worker, who states, Lotas have been inducted in the party, which has survived the most difficult time on its own. Because of 'strict party discipline, no one dares to initiate a subject openly since it has not been opened for discussion by main leaders, fearing disliking by the Qaideen (top leadership). The source quoted the example of kicking out PPP from the Punjab cabinet. Top leaders have been speaking against the PPP government since the initial days of the coalition, and ultimately, 'unanimous decision was announced. This encouraged the local tiers and workers do the same as well. Now no one has spoken openly about it; hence it is being perceived that none disliked the adoption of Q-Leaguers with redone allegiance, averred the source. Another party insider pointed out that this resentment and division will become visible the moment the election dates are announced, especially by the local party cadres of Southern Punjab, and in constituencies from where these Bloc members had been already elected in 2008 general elections. Now there will be two aspirants one the previous ticket holders and the winners. The question is: Who will bear the Party flag, quizzed the source. Sources also believe that the top leaders have partially 'united or merged a faction of the Muslim League though they have been totally inflexible for unifying various factions of the League. The PML-N leadership has repeatedly rejected, both conspicuously and inconspicuously, the move. It was their decision, and now adoption is also theirs, opined the party leader. Spokesperson of the Punjab government Senator Pervaiz Rasheed, while brushing the assertion aside, maintained neither a party leader nor a worker had expressed any resentment against the adoption. So far no one has objected to it in my presence. However, our partymen appreciated Blocs decision of not demanding ministries and other public offices, he said, adding that the recent exercise of holding meetings chaired by PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif with the leaders and workers belonging to different divisions of the province, but there was no voice of dissent from any quarters.