MANDI BAHAUDDIN, May 10: Three candidates of the two main political parties in Mandi Bahauddin have started flexing their muscles to grab the district nazim seat after the formal announcement of the local elections. Apparently, there are two main candidates who are expected to fight for the nazim’s slot — district nazim and ARD leader Nazar Mohammad Gondal and PML MPA Riaz Asghar Warraich.

However, another strong candidate of the ruling party and existing Naib Nazim Haji Imtiaz Ahmed is also vying for the nazim ticket. His spokesman, Mirza Khalid Mahmood, confirmed that Haji Sahib would contest the elections from the PML platform.

Nazim Nazar Mohammad Gondal, a local PPP leader, gained popularity during his struggle against Punjab rulers and the Gondals of Pind Makko. He could not complete various development projects because the government did not release the required funds.

All the same, the nazim did succeed in establishing a TB hospital and completing some other uplift projects in Mandi Bahauddin with the district government funds.

Mr Gondal was specially summoned by PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto in Dubai in praise for standing firm against his arch rivals of Gujrat.

PML district president and MPA Chaudhry Riaz Asghar also enjoys a fair fame in the district. During his tenure as the district council chairman, he was reportedly neither involved in any corruption nor received his salary.

Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi paid three visits to the district on his invitation and announced development funds of billions of rupees. However, the rivals of the ruling party MPA claim that the funds allocated for development projects have not been released so far.

Haji Imtiaz Ahmad of the Inqilab Group also enjoys a good reputation among the masses. He along with his brother, MNA Haji Ijaz Ahmad, has provided electricity to some 100 villages with a sum of Rs350 million. Besides, they have also established nine telephone exchanges at a cost of Rs500 million.

MNA Haji Ijaz Ahmad has also forced the Punjab government to ensure the provision of gas to Mandi and other towns in the district. He has even threatened to resign from his office in case his demand is not met. He has also got approved electrification of some 150 villages from the prime minister.

All in all, a close contest among the three prospective candidates is expected for the slot of district nazim.