VEHARI, Dec 30: Political balance of power has tilted towards Burewala tehsil from Mailsi with the election of Muhammad Yousaf Kaselia as Vehari district naib nazim.

Earlier, the known Khichi family of Mailsi had been enjoying its sway since 1985 but the election of District Nazim Syed Shahid Mehdi and naib nazim Yousaf Kaselia (both belong to Burewala tehsil) has transformed the political scenario.

Rumours were rife just before the election for the naib nazim slot that nazim Shahid Mehdi would not accommodate any naib nazim, who could throw down a gauntlet to him in the near future. When all the seven candidates withdrew their candidature before the election session on Dec 28, the hopes of power sharing by the nazim with any of his allies were dashed to the ground.

The naib nazim-elect is not only from the same town to which the nazim belongs but also has association with the Nasim Shah Pathan group, the Manais group, the Sargana group, the Tehmina Daultana group and the Mian Saqib group. All these groups had fielded their nominees for the naib nazim office.

The people of Vehari were, earlier, optimistic that this time their abode would enjoy a partnership at the district council level but the situation turned out to be different because of Mr Mehdi’s tactics. He played his cards well and achieved the desired results.

Political analysts believe that Kaselia’s coming into power means a lot to Mr Mehdi, as he is likely to have a smooth passage ahead.

It is pertinent to mention that Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi did not nominate any candidate from the ruling PML platform in the wake of differences among the local leaders.

Visualizing good days ahead, the nazim says the network of development projects will be spread throughout the district. All the union councils will be given their due, he says, to make Vehari a model district.

He says huge funds are available which will be wisely utilized in consultation with the all groups in the district council.