Many candidates defy party decisions

Several, affiliated with PPP, PTI, MQM-P, have been allotted distinct symbols

HYDERABAD:

As the candidates for the 2024 general elections in Hyderabad district receive their tickets, disputes have emerged within political parties over the award of tickets, leaving a trail of independent contenders.

In multiple constituencies, candidates from PTI and PPP are gearing up to contest the elections independently, defying their party decisions. These candidates assert that they will align their campaign with their respective party manifestos.

Two union council chairpersons, including a woman elected on a PTI ticket, are among those now running independently. The ECP list, featuring candidates of various political parties and independents, reveals several contenders who previously served as UC chairpersons for their respective parties.

Leaders across political spectrums have unequivocally declared their intention to contest the elections independently, challenging the official nominees of their parties.

Chaudhry Nizamuddin Arain, a local PPP leader is jumping into the electoral fray from the Sindh Assembly constituency PS-65 with the symbol of "transformer". Arain has confirmed that he is running as an independent candidate, pledging to uphold the PPP manifesto and advocate for the marginalized communities.

Irfan Gul Magsi, a PPP leader who defected from the PML-N is set to independently contest the elections from the National Assembly constituencies NA-219, NA-220, and the Provincial Assembly constituencies PS-60, and PS-64. His election symbol "Ghariyal" (clock) has been allotted in three constituencies, with "Peacock" given for NA-219. Magsi underscores his commitment to contesting from NA-220, PS-60, and PS-64.

Jamshed Ali Shaikh, a former PTI nominee from NA-226 in 2018, Shaikh finds himself running independently this time after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf awarded ticket to Dr Mustansar Billah for NA-219 (formerly NA-226). Contesting from two constituencies with distinct symbols, Shaikh remains determined to make an impact, accompanied by Nawab Khan, chairman of PTI's elected UC 122 in PS-62.

Read also: PPP ‘drumbeating’ over symbol denial: ECP

Arzoo Faisal Mughal, the chairman of UC 118 of TMC Latifabad, Arzoo is pursuing an independent candidacy from the Provincial Assembly constituency PS-63. Mughal will be represented on the ballot paper by the symbol of "coin." Mughal expresses her full commitment to the election.

Ghulam Rasool, alias Ali Hangoro Advocate, former PTI district president, Ghulam Rasool, also known as Ali Hangoro Advocate, is gearing up for an independent run in PS-62 with the election symbol of "donkey cart." Despite the initial party nomination of Owais Khan, Hangoro is ready to contest if the party's decision remains unchanged.

Meanwhile, PTI leaders Musarrat Iqbal, his wife, and PTI Ladies Wing leader Dr Sadaf Shaikh, among others, are currently in the election field as independents. However, speculations are rife about their potential withdrawal from the race following party decisions.

Sahibzada Shabbir Hasan Ansari is contesting independently from PS-65 using the election symbol of "water cooler." Ansari cites unexpected instructions to contest the elections after initial prohibitions due to an agreement with MQM-Pakistan.

Adnan Rashid Rajput, formerly associated with PTI and elected as the chairman of TMC Paretabad with PPP support, Rajput submitted nomination papers from PS-65 but was rejected by the returning officer. He voluntarily pulled out from the election process, emphasising that this decision does not favour any particular candidate or party.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 17^th, 2024.