Presidential polls posed a new development in national politics as three smaller provinces have shown unanimity for President contrary to Punjab’s decision to contest. Although President Zardari gained reasonable votes from largest provincial assembly of country, yet his attempt to become consensus candidate received a blow of discourage from Punjab. It is omen of new debate about new role of federation and its unit as polls for top slot has revealed new dimensions of tilts and trends in general politics where nationalist parties are extending flow to federation backing a candidate with unchallenged hold in smaller provinces.
Now nationalist politics gave new indication with support to federation and President while only Punjab is lethargic to side smaller provinces and President, contest on bases of principles and ideology may be positive politics but apparently ground is making a mess with rise of question about the future role of Punjab in national politics.
After driving out Musharraf, ruling party in Punjab PML-N decided to quit from coalition without further negotiating on judges issues leaving it unsettled at the eleventh hour just before the nomination of presidential candidate showing a strong no confidence against Asif Ali Zardari as President. Claim of weak coalition often repeated by the Opposition proved true that it was unnatural union with highest likelihood of split at any time.
It is being believed that political parties have failed to respect charter of democracy even, as soon as they realized for some space in power corridors, they opted to part ways without caring that need of country at critical transition where a consensus of major parties to run government affairs is utmost necessity. Personal clash still dominates in scene without sensing the responsibility for importance of collation to run democracy for stability and strength of country. Earlier it was strong theory from some circles that Punjab will outweigh against smaller provinces to safeguard federation but this time three small provinces are doing significant duty to protect federation from bifurcation.
Some political analysts believe the role of smaller provinces in federation can be more effective and successful than Punjab for resolution of outstanding issues and problems country has been facing since inception. The death of Benazir Bhutto proved a turning point as smaller provinces and nationalist movements emerged in scene with public support as equal players with capacity to work for unity and sovereignty of country. In past, state was in hands of such unreasonable elements who often blamed smaller provinces and nationalist as anti state and anti federation elements. Despite propaganda of decades against nationalists’ forces, they proved their roots in public and won with majority. It has proved that previous dictatorial regime adopted wrong approach to neglect genuine representatives while gave backing to such elements without any mandate. It is also a reason that evils of extremism and militancy gripped the nation in absence of real political forces.
Nationalist parties always struggled for the rights of people and initiation of democratic process. Nationalist have always a depth for progressive politics to address issues with understanding of benefits for the people but tyrannical elements were not willing to accommodate them, it was feared that politics may lead to hands of people. With start of democratic era, it has proved that country has rational liking for progressive forces, with passage of time trends of progressive politics will get roots as compared to previous experiences. It was a strong belief in Punjab that nationalist parties were anti-federation but current trends show that they are more sensible for federation as compared to any other political or non-political force. Induction of nationalist forces to mainstream politics has inspiring impacts on future of politics and also a lesson for extremist elements to play active role in politics to make place and grow for future scene without any destructive game plan. Punjab should welcome the flow of nationalist for federation as ultimately it is a cause of strength for federation but it is unfortunate that golden chance was missed during presidential polls. Emerging realization of smaller provinces about Punjab on eve of democratization is still unpleasant.
After presidential polls, governor Punjab gave some emotional but disturbing statements against ruling PML-N. There were also attempts for demonstration of powers by both ex-coalition partners to clinch the support of Q-league which as usual is ready to join government as only offer is awaited. After general polls, there was no place for Q-League, internal rifts also weakened the party position, but new political developments and N-League decision to leave collation injected new life while some forward block members made rush to party with possible entry to new collation for government in province.
A tug of wars between N-league and PPP raised the temperature too high that President Zardari had to take notice of alleviated situation and asked governor Punjab to restrain. N-League has strong reservation about Salman Taseer as governor as his standing is reported dubious. He claims to be diehard PPP activist with strong vision to convert Lahore and Punjab into stronghold of party but some of his opponents believe that he just tries to justify governorship otherwise he was man of Mushrraf, his appointment was part of deal negotiated between Mushrraf and PPP with his adequate character as a friend of outgoing president with background of PPP and influential businessman. PML-N is seriously considering for precautionary measures to retain ground in Punjab. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also warned PPP that any attempt to destabilize his party rule will leave negative impacts on centre. There are still apprehensions from both sides that Punjab is turning towards next political battle ground as PPP is interested to capture Punjab with support from federation, centre and Q-League. Such developments from Punjab will be regrettable signs for democracy and federation.
Punjab politics has plenty of impacts on national politics; confrontation initiated by Lahore was symbolized as pride in past which led country to era of shamed politics and dismay of democracy. Now smaller provinces are on driving seat in state institutions, any attempt of dispute by Lahore may be discarded by collation with presence of nationalist still feel unpleasant about the role of Punjab. It is also a fact that Punjab is not in position to confront the political scene; it has no support from presidency or any other hub of power. Punjab should use its capacity of big brother to provide confidence to smaller provinces and coalition partners for political stability.
It is better that PLM-N should join back coalition to give solid ground for democracy and sideline itself from any try to destabilize democracy. Presence of Punjab in national government will further reinforce federation. Politics of principles and ideology is not a restriction while working coalition set-up, as country needs political stability and powerful role of democratic institutions. Punjab should play the role for morality politics for cause to flourish democratic values.
Writer is Research Analyst.
http://www.pakobserver.net/200809/28/Articles05.asp
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