MARDAN - Political parties have accelerated their campaign for the upcoming bye-polls in the provincial constituency PK-23, Mardan-1 after Eidul Fitr.
Tough contest is expected between ANP candidate Haji Ahmed Khan Bahadur and PTI candidate Umar Farooq Kakahel on the seat. However, Ikramullah Shahid, candidate of Muttahida Deeni Mahaz and independent candidates are also in the run.
Haji Ahmed Khan Bahadur is considered a strong candidate on this seat as he is enjoying an edge over his opponents for a few reasons. Bahadur will cash the popularity of his family as his grand father Haji Abdul Hakeem and his father Haji Ali Hadier Bahadur were well-known personalities of the city.
He will also take advantage of the development projected executed by former chief minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti.
The remaining candidates are yet to launch major campaign. ANP office-bearers and workers claimed that the masses have observed the poor performance of PTI, as it did not follow the slogan of change. They said the masses of PK-23 would use their votes in favour of ANP candidate.
PTI Umar Farooq Kakahel has also started corner meetings to gain the votes. Umar Farooq Kakahel and Ikramullah Shahid and other independent candidates have so-far installed only a few billboards in the constituency while PTI coalition partners JI and QWP did not start proper campaign for him.
Umar Farooq Kakahel is also facing problems in his own party as some of the office-bearers and workers are also supporting ANP candidate. Several individuals have put signboards and posters of ANP candidate on their houses and shops. The JI and QWP voters are not serious to support the candidate of their coalition partners and will vote in favour of ANP candidate instead.