Despite a decent show, Nawaz Sharif’s Larkana rally was unable to gain traction amongst the province’s political analysts and writers. Citing his overtures to Sindh’s feudals as the means to gain political relevance, analysts say he simply does not understand the province.
The PML-N chief did not come to Sindh before the floods, said political analyst and editor of daily Kawish, Ali Kazi, adding that the party does not understand ‘real issues’ of Sindh, referring to water and the national finance commission (NFC) award.
“The people of Sindh are now conscious of their issues … they will not support this party … they don’t have any emotional attachment with [Nawaz Sharif],” Kazi said.
His critique was not just reserved for Nawaz though. “Imran Khan attended the Ghotki public gathering but was unaware of the issues of the district,” he said, adding that “these politicians don’t want to understand the major issues of Sindh and merely rely on influential persons.”
His forecast for PML-N:
The party can get some seats from Karachi and a few more if feudals join it. “I don’t think Sindhi nationalists will support him completely,”
he added.
Sindh has changed
The problem is not just with Nawaz though, says columnist and political analyst Barrister Zamir Hussain Ghumro.
“Sindh is different this time around. Nawaz says he will chase Benazir Bhutto’s killers but the same emotional tactics were used when Murtaza Bhutto was murdered. What happened then?” the barrister said.
He echoes Kazi’s forecast, and says Nawaz’s visit will not affect the PPP vote bank – the party can get some support from urban areas, not the rural heartland.
Ghumro’s advice: The PML-N needs to have a programme for the province, and it doesn’t have one yet. “The people of Sindh are anti-feudal and Nawaz, it appears, will approach these influential men,” he added.
Courting feudals, not progressives
Writer Zulfiqar Halepoto says the PML-N chief’s visit is a “face-saving exercise.”
“Nawaz has visited Sindh in haste because he was afraid of Imran Khan’s popularity,” the writer said.
Sindh’s vote-bank is divided into pro- and anti-PPP support, he explains, adding that Nawaz is trying to attract the latter and is therefore approaching “these rejected men.”
“Nawaz came to Sindh twice and stayed at the houses of Mahars of Ghotki and Magsis of Tando Allahyar,” he said, adding that ‘these feudals’ want Nawaz in power next time.
“The progressive people will not support him because his party does not address the real issues of Sindh,” he added.
Political analyst and activist Abrar Kazi was more pointed: “Nawaz can’t even choose a Sindhi president for his party’s Sindh chapter.”
“He stopped mega projects in the province during his tenures, including the Keti Bandar project. People of Sindh can’t digest PML-N,” Kazi added.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 11th, 2011.
COMMENTS (8)
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His Plan is NOT to make a Provincial government in sindh. His plan is to get a handful number of seats from sindh in national Assembly! Hes a Statesman & wants to look like one by having seats from ALL the provinces as simple as that!
these analysis seem to be very naive!
imran khan didnt know Ghotki's problem. just because u live in cities doesnt mean u all HAVE the right to call ur own opinion as better than those living in the rural areas! nawaz is considered a traitor of sindh. He stopped mega projects in the province during his tenures, including the Keti Bandar project. People of Sindh can’t digest PML-N
@Junaid Khan: and you leader imran wants to make urban population into religious salves.
Imran khan is the last hope. These so called leaders like Shareefs and Zardarees have converted people living in rural areas as sub humans.
“The people of Sindh are anti-feudal" that's why there were reports of people abandoning their own homes to assist to save their lords' crops from flood water. Sharif really doesn't understand the province. The concept of democracy loses its premise when people are mentally, emotionally and physically at the mercy of their masters.
Mr. Ghumro is contradicting himself. He says :Nawaz’s visit will not affect the PPP vote bank" then he says:"“The people of Sindh are anti-feudal :. Gee PPP is led by feudals!
Unlike Punjab, the reality of Sind's politics is feudal based. Ebery party needs to pander to feudals to get anywhere in interior Sind.