RCB delimitation aims to oust PML-N

Cantonment boards’ elections are scheduled for Sept 12

RAWALPINDI:

The delimitation of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) ahead of the upcoming local body election may weaken the political muscles of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, which has been dominating cantonment politics for the past 28 years.

Under the delimitation, Ward-1 of the RCB has been made Ward-10 with several areas parted from the new ward. Former Ward-2 has been made Ward-1 while Ward-3 has been converted into Ward2.

Many new areas have been included in these wards while some have been detached. The most interesting zoning Ward-4 and five have been merged to form Ward-4.

PML-N members from Ward4, Rasheed Khan, and Raja Jehandad Khan of Ward-5 are now contesting the election in the same ward.

Similarly, Ward-6 has been made Ward-5 and Ward-7 has now made Ward-6 after the new delimitation.

Surprisingly, Ward-8 has been made Ward-3 while several old areas have been removed and new ones have been added in this ward.

Read PML-N walking on a tightrope ahead of RCB polls

Similarly, Ward-9, from where former PML-N Vice President, Hafiz Hussain Ahmad Malik had won elections five times in a row, has been made Ward-8 while many areas have been excluded from here.

Ward-10 has been made Ward-9 by making several changes in its zoning. Similarly, areas including Azam Colony, Niazi Town, Dhok Banaras, Misryal Road, and other areas have been added in the new Ward-7.

In the last local bodies election, the PML-N nominees had clinched seats in RCB 10 wards and won nine out of 10 wards of Chaklala Cantonment Board (CCB) while the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate won from one ward of CCB.

Political pundits are of the view that the new delimitation aimed to oust the PML-N from the political scene.

They also predict an intense competition between the PML-N and the PTI. The PML-Q, Jamaat-e-Islami and PPP nominees will also be trying their best to win seats in RCB.

PML-N leader Rashid Khan said that people are not swayed by slogans but they vote for the party which has best served them. He said that this time around too, voters will choose the PML-N.