Some tough talk by the co-chairman
Finally, PPP co-chairman Zardari publically acknowledges problems in the Punjab chapter. Workers here were unhappy even when he was president – and he regretted failure to interact with them then – but apparently a rebellion has been brewing since the party’s routing in the ’13 election. The PTI’s rising star has not helped the PPP consolidate, of course, not the least because it provides fresh incentive for PPP old-timers who do not see the party regaining its old position, at least not under the present leadership. And the patience of the ice-nerved former president, whose cold decision-making characterised his years in the presidency, has now seemingly given way.
In a way it is good politics to confront this particular problem head-on, though it is not without risks. Zardari realised during his previous trip to Punjab that factionalism was growing, as were attacks to his leadership. The Go-Wattoo and Go-Badr phenomenon, too, was catching on. And there were constant reports, apparently, of blocs wanting to break off and join the PTI. So why not let those bent upon leaving go now rather than pile more pressure? As for the reminder about tickets – it is Zardari who will distribute party tickets, after all – it remains to be seen what effect this threat will have on those already disgruntled enough to jump ship.
The ticket is, after all, the main concern of many a grieving long time loyalist. But if losing the PPP ticket can mean gaining another party’s, especially PTI, the waters could muddy further in these turbulent political times. PTI is clearly going all the way, and the more people it can attract from PML-N and PPP, the more its momentum will grow. That is where the former president’s warning to party cadres could well backfire, though with limited impact. It would, however, set a precedent where disgruntled PPP chips can find a more solid footing; with those who currently hold the initiative. Now, as Zardari goes deep into Punjab to interact with workers, he will get a better feel of the extent of their unhappiness. Unless he reverses the trend of discontent now, he fill soon find Punjab even less responsive than ’13.
