As jagged an alliance as the one between the PML(Q) and PPP was bound to have fissures beneath. Under the saccharine smiles reading out the text of the ministerial oath lie resentments on being given the raw end of the deal. The way the PML(Q) leaders have fallen out among themselves just one day after joining the federal coalition government has gotten the coalition off on the wrong foot.
Backlash against the party leadership by its own ministers hints at the lack of trust and a consultation process that might have yielded much better results. A party that carved itself out from N League, and later tasted a dose of its own medicine with the formation of a Likeminded bloc, cannot take much liberty with the priorities of its members. Whatever the Q League would have us believe, their stand on the higher moral ground is at stake with this selling-for-peanuts strategy. Sure their ministers would neither draw any salary nor enjoy any perks and privileges, and they have outlined a performance check procedure, it is not really going to be a fruitful exercise considering some of the portfolios they have been allotted would be devolved by June. The PML(Q) has given an upper hand to the PPP in numbers game without gaining much. Some credit, though, must be given to the Q League for burying the hatchet – it was, after all, Qatil League – and strengthening the federal government for its economic policies to be presented in the budget this month.
By agreeing to the PPP’s formula, Chaudhrys have not only conceded what little ground they had to manoeuvre for better portfolios, say agriculture, but also have failed to foresee the service delivery they won’t be able to make. A weaker partner they have become for now, but Chaudhrys’ negotiations skills would again be put to test when their ministries are devolved. Perhaps, they can make up for what they have lost now and fulfil their promise of national unity along the lines of higher ideals they have been touting ever so often.