The bigger League

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The PML(N) might have weaned the unification bloc away from the Q League but the devil, as they say, lies in the details. With the inclusion of these provincial legislators, comes a host of problems that the League might not have taken into account. True, the PPP response has been rather muted on the issue. We are content with sitting on the opposition benches, said the PPPs Raja Riaz after the N Leagues move. But that does not necessarily mean a benign opposition. From now on, if the League indulges in some sabre rattling on the floor of the National Assembly, the PPP can turn the heat up by several notches in the Punjab. Going by the Punjab Governments performance this time round, detractors would have much to work with. The jiyala opposition members would, of course, be in addition to the existing vocal Q League MPAs.

Then there is the issue of the defection clause. Though the PPP concurs that the 18th amendment clause relevant to the issue would apply only after the next elections, this does not preclude the possibility of the PML(Q) approaching the courts. From then on, the issue would be open to interpretation by the judiciary. That does not imply anything either way but does show that it will not be as clean a transition as the Punjab ruling party would have hoped for.

And last, but certainly not the least, comes the issue of the provincial cabinet. The entire unification bloc is a contender. And since they have demonstrated that they are not bothered with unnecessary concepts like party loyalty, they wont be easily persuaded to step down in favour of others within the bloc. With the large number of ministries doled out to them, there will be increased resentment within the ranks of the PML(N). As it is, they werent too happy with the CMs predilection for micromanagement. His insistence on keeping portfolios himself and running them through the bureaucracy and task forces didnt particularly endear him to his own legislators. If that attitude is to finally change, giving the ministries to the new entrants would be the final straw.