Alliance decides to admit Sharif party

By B.Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, NOV. 26. The Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), a multi- party opposition group, today decided to formally admit the Pakistan Muslim League (PML), led by the former Prime Minister, Mr. Nawaz Sharif, into its fold and launch a joint campaign for restoration of democracy.

After weeks of debate and opposition from within the party the PML last week voted in favour of becoming part of the grand alliance.

So bitter was the debate over the issue that the rebels raised a banner of revolt and captured the party headquarters here to register their protest the alliance.

Loyalists of Mr. Sharif responded in kind and suspended four party rebels who led the rebellion.

One of the prominent office bearers loyal to Mr. Sharif even announced their expulsion from the party, but the moderates got into act in a bid for reconciliation.

A committee has set up to work out a patch-up formula but there is little chances of unity in the party as on Saturday the dissidents sought to demonstrate their ire by taking over the party office in Lahore.

The decision of the PML to become part of the GDA is in a way ironic, as it was a grouping opposed to Mr. Sharif weeks before his ouster in a bloodless coup.

The Pakistan People's Party led by Ms. Benazir Bhutto, is a key partner of the GDA and the contention of the rebels in the PML was how could their party join hands with an archrival like PPP.

It sounds logical, but the argument of the Sharif loyalists is a month is a long time in politics and the changed context required a pragmatic response.

The simple truth is that the rebels were looking for an opportunity to take on the Nawaz faction and the GDA issue proved convenient.

For months now they have been seeking replacement of Mr. Sharif as the leader, on the ground that with numerous charges against him, he cannot be relied to enhance the prospects of the PML.

The pro-Nawaz faction leaders, on their part, have been accusing the rebels of taking a line from the military government.

Last week they had gone to the extent of accusing the military government of aiding and abetting the rebels in take- over of the party headquarters.

No doubt, the military government must be keenly watching the fast changing political alignments. After it all, it would not like a situation of potential challenge to its regime from the so far dormant parties.

Mr. Sharif has every reason to be thrilled with his party becoming a part of the GDA.

After all he needs support from any and every quarter for mere survival if not return to the center stage of politics.

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Section  : International
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