I think so-called mainstream parties in our country are not political parties. These are groups driven by capitalists with strength and power like that of Kings. People join these parties to secure benefits and get top portfolios. They can stay in parties as long as they serve interests of their bosses. But once they start to pick holes in policies and disagree with their masters, they are sidelined. Safdar Abbasi, Naheed Khan and Sherry Rehman are notable examples of this scenario. The other members of these parties should learn a lesson before disagreeing with their bosses. Our parties are run by capitalists, industrialists and feudal lords. Time has arrived when we must say goodbye to such parties and join people-friendly parties managed by individuals belonging to middle class struggling to bring social justice and rule of law in the country. GANGLY KHAN, Lahore, October 26.