One more time?
Once again the PPP moves the chairman like a piece across the political chessboard in an attempt to rally Punjab. They tried it before, and failed. That was when the dharna was in full swing. And though PPP supported the government and democracy, they worried behind the scenes, at least till there was talk of the third umpire raising a finger. That, probably, was why young Bilawal was catapulted to the top ahead of time, to mobilise party cadres in Punjab, which were still in shock from the ’13 election rout. It was good for the PPP, in hindsight, that PML-N remained in power, otherwise its fortunes might have worsened.
But things have still worsened – considerably – as Bilawal attempts a repeat performance. Hordes of party heavyweights have been lured into PTI – no doubt owing to Shah Mehmood’s mastery of the subtle art of persuasion, even if it took its sweet time working its magic. The official complaint, at least, is the conciliatory attitude towards the ruling party, which took the punch out of an already defanged opposition party, allowing it no time to pressure the government. If that is true, it should serve as a lesson for those admiring the Zardari doctrine a little too much. Quite to the contrary, though, it seems a weak opposition only prompts serious politicians to head for more serious shores.
And PTI, of course, was the natural port of call considering its posturing against the ruling party since well before the election. It is pretty clear now that if anybody can challenge the N-league in Punjab, it is PTI, and nobody takes the centre without taking Punjab. So, it might well have been just a basic mathematics tutorial delivered by Shah Mehmood. That would also explain the timing. That, precisely, is what Bilawal seems to miss. His damage-control meeting only gathered the old guard that most loyalists have already disregarded. And his pronouncements – connecting to the masses, preparing for local government polls, etc – seemed more a divorce from reality than putting nuts and bolts back in their right places. He must first remove genuine grievances of the workers – which might upset the structure put in place by his father. And then make sure the party is seen working, as opposed to making decisions and alliances in drawing rooms. If Bilawal can reserruct that PPP, he might have an outside chance.
