A LARGE number of ‘electables’ have joined PTI to get reelected. This created problems for Imran Khan and is causing a split in his party. The old PTI workers and leaders who worked hard for PTI because of their belief in Khan’s ideology have been ignored and instead ‘electables’ have been given party tickets.

Some old PTI stalwarts like Ali Mohammad from Mardan, who was elected MNA on a PTI ticket in 2013, has not been awarded a ticket. This has created resentment among the old PTI workers. A large number of former PML-N members have been awarded tickets by PTI.

The PTI accepted all these deserters with open arms and called it the ‘drop of wickets by the great Khan’. Naturally, it was a matter of great joy for the PTI that members of their two major rival political parties are losing them.

Apparently, it is increasing PTI’s chances of winnings seats. But it is not as simple as it may appear. Everyone knows these turncoats are not joining the PTI for ideological reasons but in search of better opportunities.

If it was for ideological reasons they would have joined the PTI a long time ago; why now when the PML-N and PPP are down and out, and the former’s ‘supreme leader’ is in hot waters? Most of these new converts are known for their history of changing political parties.

Looking at the agitation of old PTI workers, it is obvious that this strategy has not worked. Khan may win the election but the ideology that he stands for will receive a big dent and the new entrants will change the image of the party. The change that Khan has been fighting for all his political life will be difficult to bring about.

It will just be old wine in a new bottle.

Z. A.
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2018