The MQM needs to openly accept criticism
One is again witnessing the all too familiar drama wherein MQM ministers resign, which is followed by strongly worded statements, noisy protests and walkouts from the Sindh Assembly and when everyone is thinking that this is going to lead to an irrevocable break up, the sound and fury suddenly comes to an end, the MQM ministers are back to their offices in the greater interest of the people of urban Sindh. One is not sure therefore whether the present separation would last long.
What has provoked the latest standoff are the rejection by Bilawal Bhutto of Altaf Hussain’s demand for the division of Sindh and MQM’s claim to sole ownership of Karachi. The holding by the PPP of a massive rally in Karachi turned out to be the last straw on the camel’s back.
Bilwal Bhutto was within his right to oppose Altaf Hussain’s demand for the division of Sindh. His tweets on the subject were however considered irreverent by MQM. How could anyone, let alone a young entrant in politics, criticise Altaf Hussain by name? The MQM which considers political leaders belonging to other parties as fair game, considers Hussain above criticism despite claiming to oppose feudalism and its culture. What it fails to understand is that a leader speaking on a controversial issue is bound to face criticism.
While there was no reference to Hussain in Bilwal’s Karachi speech, there were other things in it which were unpalatable for the party. How dare the PPP chairman call Karachi the `Koh-i-Noor’ in the crown of Sindh or mention that fact that it was a multi-ethnic city? How could he ask all to join hands to “build our city and turn it into a cradle of peace”? How dare he question MQM’s performance during its “20-year long rule” over Sindh?
Being a coalition partner the MQM should try to resolve differences in the Cabinet meetings. If its leaders raise controversial issues in public they should also be prepared for appropriate public rejoinders.