PPP central command is not averse to the flood of the evergreen turncoats and embraces theme with open arms. But what about diehard workers and common voters; they matter little in the scheme of things. On a broader canvass the questions are being asked either the party that dominated Sindh is better placed to bring some improvements in the lives of the ‘have-nots’ or it will further entrench already powerful status-quo comprising feudal lords, top civil officialdom and politicians all rolled in one ruling elite family. Like entire Sindh, in Dadu District majority of traditional rivals have already jumped on the PPP bandwagon and are enjoying the fruits of remaining in power. The only opposition figure Liaqat Jatoi is said to be joining the PPP soon.
Liaqat Jatoi says he has old relation with PPP. but late Ghulam Mustafa Shah, a scholar of repute and one of the close aide of ZA Bhutto, writes in his book “Bhutto a Man and Martyr” that PM, ZA Bhutto in early 70s ordered the arrest of LIAQAT JATOI who was a young lecturer in university of Sindh. According to Ghulam Mustafa Shah, then as Vice Chancellor of Sindh University he persuaded Mr Bhutto not to victimize the younger Jatoi to settle score with his father Abdul Hameed Jatoi and spare the university from protest and agitation if the lecturer in question was arrested and instead send him abroad on a scholarship. The above account and the political history of Sindh show that the two families have been old political rivalries. And there is no cordial political relationship between PPP and the Jatoi families.
The matter is of political survival and there is no conscience among the politicians. During recent election the Jatoi and workers of PPP were exchanging barbs and accusing each other of corruption and plunder, now they would confer on each other the loftiest titles. That is why this is called ‘dirty politics’. bringing in the folds all rivals bodes ill for the PPP, its vote bank and the general welfare of Sindh as in the absence of virtually no opposition ultimate suffers would become the majority have-nots. Already marginalized PPP workers would find themselves more sidelined and demoralized. PPP top leadership should think thrice before taking more turncoats in its rank for short term political on the altar of long term party interests.
GULSHER PANHWER,
Johi, January 23.