LAHORE, Aug 24: The second phase of the local elections is being held in 18 districts of Punjab on Thursday amid claims by the ruling PML that candidates backed by it will get a stunning victory everywhere.

The opposition parties challenge the claim as exaggeration, arguing that contests will be really tough as the PPP, the PML-N and the MMA are united against the ruling party.

In 2001, the PML had its nazims in 33 districts of Punjab, leaving only Mandi Bahauddin for the PPP nominee.

Sources say that although the opposition parties had performed well at some places in the first round of the local polls, the ruling party will be in a dominating position as many of those elected from opposition’s platform are likely to change loyalty.

The support of the establishment and administration give the PML an edge over its rivals. However, upsets should also be expected as they are always part of the game.

In Lahore, the ruling party is stronger as compared to its rivals. There may be tough fights at some places and the opposition may win several union councils but most of the towns are likely to be won over by the PML. Mian Amer Mehmud is expected to be the district nazim for a second term.

Gujrat, being the hometown of the Punjab chief minister, is another prestigious city for the ruling party. Reports suggest that the opposition stands no chance there.

PPP leaders allege that Gujrat has become ‘axis of rigging.’ Many candidates have been elected unopposed in the district.

The situation in neighbouring Jhelum and Mandi Bahauddin is no different, although the PML-N and the PPP are trying to show their presence there.

Reports suggest that intra-party differences in the PML might benefit the opposition in Jhelum district.

In Rawalpindi district, the PML, PPP, PML-N and MMA are in the field. A tough contest in expected in the city in view of the opposition’s campaign.

In Attock, the ruling party is likely to win because of development work carried out by former nazim, who is brother-in-law to Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain.

An interesting situation is prevailing in Mianwali. Federal Minister Sher Afgan Niazi and Provincial Minister Gul Hameed Rokhri are in the rival camps.

A similar situation is there in Narowal district where many ruling party leaders are pitted against each other.

Okara district also presents a similar picture. Defence Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal, former chief minister Manzoor Wattoo and former minister Afzaal Ali Shah, whose son is a minister in the Punjab cabinet, are in different camps.

There are intra-party differences in the PML in Chakwal district, where senior party leader Gen Majeed Malik appears to have revolted against the leadership.

The PML claims to have an edge over its rivals in Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Hafizabad and Kasur districts. The PPP and the PML-N are expected to put up a tough fight in Faisalabad district, specially the urban areas.

In Bhakkar, the government is backing the front set up by the Niwanis. The PML-N is on the side of the Dhandlas. The MMA is supporting the opposition.