The PML(Q) initially joined the PPP-led coalition out of the instinct of self preservation and was content with whatever was doled out to it. This led to protests within the party while the chief of the PML(Q)’s KP chapter resigned from the lowly cabinet portfolio handed down to him. There were complaints from PML(Q) stalwarts in Sindh who had not been given any share in the provincial cabinet. A leadership which specialises in wheeling dealing however waited for its chance which has come with the departure of the MQM. The PML(Q) hasn’t taken long to realise that the PPP depends on its parliamentary support to keep itself afloat. For a party fast moving towards fragmentation, with the majority of its legislators in Punjab forming a rival group, two batches of party deputies in the NA and Senate challenging the leadership and the PML(Q)’s position as the single largest party in the Senate going to be reduced to a non-entity in next March, it was in an exceptionally bad shape only a couple of months back. It is now in a position where it thinks it cannot be denied whatever it demands from the PPP.
To start with, it is asking for new and more ‘meaningful’ portfolios for three of its federal ministers whose subjects now stand devolved to provinces. This is neither unusual nor unjust. With 14 MQM ministers having tendered resignations, it may not be difficult to accommodate the new allies with juicy ministries. This would, however, cause trepidation to Sindh PPP, which has an eye on the next election, as the PML(Q) ministers would like to strengthen their hold in constituencies in the interior of Sindh, considered as its fief by the PPP. The party is also reportedly eyeing some key positions both at the centre and the provinces. While the PML(Q) was refused the much coveted gubernatorial post in Punjab, it might now lay claim to it in Sindh.
The PML(Q) would like to woo back party dissenters in Punjab and take measures to ensure a better electoral performance in the province next time. While this is quite understandable in the case of a political party, what needs to be ensured is that there are no drawing room conspiracies typical of the past to disrupt a genuinely elected government in the province. Political manoeuvring must not weaken the system.
