HYDERABAD, Sept 11: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement, a coalition partner in the Sindh government, and the ruling PML-backed Azad Magsi Ittehad decided to field separate candidates for the taluka nazim of Tando Allahyar on Sunday. They would nominate separate candidates as they failed to evolve consensus over a joint candidate.

Both groups had been holding talks over the matter since completion of the first phase of the local body elections on August 18.

The MQM-backed Haq Parast Group was adamant to get the slots of taluka nazim and district naib nazim. While the AMI leaders, Dr Irfan Gul Magsi and his sister Dr Rahila Magsi, were offering them the seats of taluka naib nazim and district naib nazim.

Deputy Convener of the MQM’s coordination committee Dr Farooq Sattar told journalists at the circuit house on Sunday evening that the decision would not affect the relationship between the two parties.

“Since both groups do not want to withdraw, they will contest elections separately,” he said.

He said that understanding between the HPG and the PML-backed AMI and Khushhal Pakistan Panel had been exemplary.

He said that the HPG would support the AMI candidates for district nazim and two talukas.

The deputy convener avoided a direct reply to a question about making seat adjustments with the PPP-backed Awam Dost Panel and said that it was up to the People’s Party to decide which group to support--the HPG or the AMI.

Dr Sattar said that the MQM had 31 votes in eight union councils of the taluka, besides the support of some independent candidates.

While the AMI claimed to have the support of 54 councillors, he said.

He said that the issue of taluka naib nazim would be decided later.

He rejected reports of pressure on the Muttahida to accept a candidate from outside for the post of district nazim of Karachi and Hyderabad. He said that the party would form the government in the two cities all alone.

The Sindh chief minister had intervened in the situation and held detailed discussions with the two contesting groups at the circuit house.