Disgruntled allies

More than four months back – on June 29 to be exact – the Prime Minister had thrown a dinner party in the honour of his disgruntled coalition partners at his Banigala residence. It came days before the Finance Bill was to be tabled in the National Assembly for the passage of the federal budget 2020-21. Pretty obviously, the objective of the gathering was to seek support from more than half a dozen government-allied parties for budget approval. In return, an assurance was given that their various pending demands would be met soon. Two coalition partners, PML-Q and BNP-M, did not attend the dinner, but assured their support, and proved true to their word. The budget, therefore, sailed through the parliament. The PM, however, forgot his allies.

Now faced with the PDM challenge amid plentiful political rumours, the PM on Thursday threw a similar party, this time a luncheon, for the same guests – who were even more disgruntled now due to unmet promises. While the objective was to put on display a united ruling coalition, the curt rejection of the PM’s invitation by the same two allied parties, PML-Q and BNP-M, did the otherwise. The first mentioned avoided the party citing the government’s “cold attitude” and the other excused itself for having joined ranks with PDM, the anti-government alliance of 11 parties. And this time around, there is no assurance of support either, from the two parties. Even those who did attend the gathering have, reportedly, linked their support to the acceptance of their demands.

It’s no secret that the PM generally has a dim view of coalition partners. When in opposition, he used to openly describe demands from allies as blackmailing, and their acceptance by governments as bribery. However, the PM must realise that most of the demands put forward by his coalition partners are pretty genuine and decent, like funds meant for ridding Karachi of its oft-discussed problems and bringing development in this orphan city. Besides, his government can no more afford discontented coalition partners. He has reportedly assured his allies of redressal of their grievances. Now he must keep his word or he may not have the opportunity to host any more lunch or dinner.