With the PML(N) becoming desperate in its attempt to topple the PPP government on one issue or another, many would say a placatory response by the PPP leadership would not sit well with some among its ranks and its vote bank. The stakes could not have been higher had the PPP anything to fear in the Senate elections that are around the corner. Sitting atop a comfortable lead, it can relax while the opposition frantically struggles to find some countermeasures.
In an interview to Pakistan Today, the PM came out hard on non-democratic calls given by the PML(N) supremo to the public to come out on the roads. This despite the fact that his younger brother is Chief Executive of the largest federating unit of the country. Whereas there are constitutional ways to protest (in Parliament, the best of them), why has the PML(N) chosen to go public is arguably due to the fact that they are clueless as to how to overthrow the government. Stoking public anger results in pressure on the ruling party, but of sorts that can be calmed down (protests on loadshedding).
The N League’s style of politics lacks institutive, they don’t flow with the rhythm. Instead, they just follow an issue after it has hit chords with the public. They cashed in on the judicial crisis after it had made international headlines, and did the same on the loadshedding issue. This in no way gives a leeway to the government for its lack of planning, policy implementation and controlling corruption among many ills that it has become associated with. For instance, the appointment of NAB chairman has become a thorny issue because of PPP’s insistence on their nomination. It may not be illegal but it sure is causing some ripples. Another controversial appointment means another court drama.
There is one thing that does stand out from his interview the other day: he declared Imran Khan his favourite political player. For a party that has ridden every storm of our brand of politicking, this does sound like a statement with many meanings. Maybe, something for the PML(N) to worry about as Imran is sure to chip away at the League’s urban middleclass vote bank. How it plays out in the nitty gritty of the on-the-ground politics, only the time will tell.
