More authoritative than before
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has finally proved that he is his own man. He returns as a more powerful and effective PPP leader. So far he had been treated as a green youth who needed regular tutoring by party elders. While he faces real threats to his life, his handlers used it as an excuse to put restraints on him which he resented and on one occasion sent alarm bells ringing in government circles as he flouted them. It was maintained by those acting as his guardians that he was wet behind the years, knew little about wheeling and dealing and politics of alliances. While some of these objections may have been true, Bilawal could maintain that it were these very practices that had landed the PPP in the dire straits where it finds itself today.
Whatever little Bilawal was allowed to say indicated that he had liberal views, was inspired by idealism and possessed the courage of conviction. A person of the sort would normally shun the type of realpolitik that currently characterises the political leadership. While the rest of the PPP leaders minced words over Salman Taseer’s killing and on protecting the minorities, a defiant Bilawal told a gathering in January 2011 that the assassination was a message from the terrorists, yet “in the tradition of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto, we refuse to bow down”. He then assured the minorities that “those who wish to harm you for a crime you did not commit will have to go through me first.”
Bilawal is returning as a stronger and more authoritative person than before. Within less than a week he has proved that his seniors need him much more than he needs them. Further that it is he who will have the final word in party decisions. To those who remember what Benazir did to some of her patronizing uncles and aunts the message should be clear. Bilawal has challenges ahead. Benazir too had jumped into the political fray at a young age. Through her courage, perseverance and understanding of politics she proved that she alone deserved to inherit Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s mantle. While a liberal outlook and idealism may be assets, they are by no means enough for a leader who is keen to make his mark on national politics. In Bilawal’s absence the PPP was like an army fighting without a commanding officer. His arrival would provide the PPP a Bhutto figure as leader. Realistically speaking this may not overnight change the fortunes of the party. The credit or discredit for whatever performance it puts up in the forthcoming elections will go to those who were taking decisions in Bilwal’s name. The real challenge for him would come after the elections when he will be required to make PPP a popular party.
