The fighting between the PPP and PML(N) is gradually degenerating into the type of the no-holds-barred struggles that characterised their relations between 1988 and 1999. On Wednesday, the National Assembly resounded with the slogans of “Go Zardari, go” continuously raised by the major opposition party for nearly an hour. It was reported by the media as the worst rumpus of the last three years. Mercifully, the ugly standoff was brought to an end by Gilani who offered to discuss all major issues and agreed to hold dialogue on long term economic policies with the opposition. How long Gilani’s intervention can help maintain a peaceful atmosphere in the NA remains to be seen.
In case the report regarding a secret four hour long meeting between a disgruntled PPP leader and PML(N) top brass is correct, this would indicate to many that attempts are afoot to create turncoats in the PPP. The PML(N) is reportedly trying to take advantage from the resentment in a section of the PPP against the alliance with the PML(Q), particularly among activists and party leaders in Gujrat and Gujranwala. The recent media conjectures of the government and the PML(Q) going to the extent of deciding who gets to keep what portfolio must have been disturbing to the Sharifs. Many think they have to blame themselves for the development as they had pushed an unwilling PPP out of the province’s coalition government. It would be a sad day for democracy if political parties were to once again revert to horse-trading.
The PPP would improve its clout after it emerges as the single largest party in the Senate next year. This may not be liked by certain opponents who could press for mid-term elections. This would, however, constitute a violation of the Charter of Democracy which binds the signatories to allow the elected government to complete its tenure. There is a need on the part of the PPP and PML(N) never to forget the hard learned lessons from their past.