Deadlock between IPP, PML-N over number of seats persists

Former MNA Mehdi says seat adjustment with IPP would be detrimental for PML-N

LAHORE:

With the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) still hopeful of an alliance with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, several party leaders have vehemently opposed the idea of any seat adjustment with the former, terming it a poisoned chalice.

IPP leader Malik Nouman Ahmad Langrial, who is part of the six-member committee with three from each side formed to delineate the seat adjustment plan with the PML-N, told The Express Tribune that things were being worked out between the two sides.

He said that no agreement has been reached thus far, adding that things would be clear by Sunday.

Asked that given a large number of seats had been sought by the IPP, the PML-N might offer a partial seat adjustment, he said that both sides were working out a plan for all-across Punjab.

In view of that, when asked will the IPP not consider a partial seat adjustment proposal, he said he won’t be able to comment as of now.

IPP Information Secretary Firdous Ashiq Awan a day earlier reportedly confirmed that her party had sought 110 seats from the PML-N, including 40 National Assembly and 70 provincial assembly seats.
A source within the PML-N said that it would be highly difficult to even consider this proposal, purely owing to the number of seats, the IPP was publically asking.

He said that the PML-N wants to form its government with a simple majority, which meant fighting from almost all NA constituencies in Punjab to ensure victory in over 100 from total 141.

The source kept his mum when asked of any external pressure on the PML-N to enter into an alliance with the IPP.

Another IPP leader Raja Yasir said that any PML-N and IPP alliance was a win-win situation for both sides.

He said that the IPP has a dedicated vote bank, as our people were electables.

The PML-N, in constituencies where it is weak, “if given either an MPA or MNA seat to our people and take the other seat, our vote bank will only help them win”.

An IPP leader talking on condition of anonymity said that both in principle were in favour of seat adjustment, but the deadlock was on the number of seats.

He said according to his understanding, no partial seat adjustment would be agreed.

When asked about the reason of not considering any partial seat adjustment, he on a lighter note said that he did not see elections taking place, so in either ways it would not make any difference.

“Even if election takes place, the outcome is quite predictable,” he regretted.

Former PML-N MNA from Vehari (II) Sajid Mehdi, who defeated former PTI leader Muhammad Ishaq Khan Khaqwani and happens to be a member of the abovementioned negotiation committee from the IPP, said there was no plan of seat adjustment with the IPP.

He said that it would be a mistake to even consider entering any adjustment with the IPP.

There people are very weak in their respective areas, citing an example of this area, where he claimed that Khaqwani had no chances of winning.

He said the PML-N voter will not vote for anyone who does not have tiger as their election symbol, adding that the PML-N will only waste its vote bank, if this happens.