Bilawal’s baptism of fire

Reaching out to voters should be his only concern, for now

With Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s address before a mammoth public gathering in Karachi, the PPP has made the first attempt to reach out to the masses. The gathering brought out both the strengths and weaknesses of the party. It had representation from all the provinces showing that despite being routed in the elections in three provinces, the party still has roots in all parts of the country. Besides the chief executives of AJK and GB on the dais, there were people from all nooks and corners of Pakistan among the audience. That the overwhelming majority had come from interior Sindh and there were fewer people from Karachi indicated that the PPP would face a tough competition from the PTI in gaining a second position in the metropolis which remains largely under the MQM’s sway.

Bilawal criticised the PML-N, MQM and PTI but unlike most speeches being delivered before large public gathering these days, the PPP Chairman put forth a number of positive ideas. He called, for instance, on all the parties to jointly concentrate on a three-point programme, comprising opposition to dictatorship, eradication of terrorism and alleviation of poverty. He was particularly keen to seek the support of the PML-N and MQM.

Bilawal is tasked with retrieving the fortunes of the PPP at a time when its workers and the second tier leadership are thoroughly demoralised. The loss of by-election in Multan was the latest discouragement. While the name Bhutto carries charisma in Sindh, it has limited appeal for the younger generation of voters in other provinces. The slogan of Bhuttoism alone will help neither catch votes nor provide strength to workers outside Sindh. The party’s anniversary convention in November would take decisions regarding the reorganisation of the PPP and its new programme. The coming days would test the mettle of both Bilawal who would be required to lead from the front and of Zardari who would have to control a Bhutto with rebellion in the blood.