KARACHI, Nov 16: The shoguns had their day on Saturday when the new National Assembly came into being.

The events prior to the oath taking by the elected representatives reflected that military rulers did not give due importance to the contentions of political parties on the LFO, Presidential elections and other contentious issues of far-reaching consequences. The elected representatives also lacked finesse in voicing their dissent.

By taking oath as President earlier in the morning, under his version of the partially-revived Constitution, and by keeping the articles pertaining to floor crossing suspended, General Pervez Musharraf has given clear signals what kind of “clean politics” he has in mind.

One was shocked that the General, who had despised the politicians for their lotacracy (politics of turncoat) and betraying the mandate of the people, would keep even this article suspended. For a person who claims to be above board, it is unfortunate. It speaks volumes for what we have in store.

As soon as a forward bloc emerged within the PPP, following the postponement of the new Assembly’s inaugural session, one could assess which way the wind was blowing.

Nisar Khuhro, the president of the PPP Sindh, who is affected by the trends at the centre, criticizing the decision to keep the floor crossing clause on hold, asked: “Is this an example of good governance? The manner in which the Establishment is trying to form government, it would be better for them to announce the team themselves, instead of insulting the people’s wisdom.”

One was expecting that the parties which were very vocal against General Musharraf’s amendments and his presidency would postpone taking oath at least for a day, to register their anger against his oath taking. It would have had a far greater impact than the meek murmur of dissent. What they did on the floor of the house was tantamount to playing to the gallery. Perhaps they were afraid of missing the bus, while the despised floor crossing article remain suspended.

Though the elected leaders were right that they had taken the oath which was part of the 1973 Constitution, prior to the LFO, it is also true that the text of the oath under the LFO has not been changed. For the regime, the LFO is part of the 1973 Constitution, and they have taken the oath to defend that document. So as the parties lack numbers to amend the Constitution on their own, the general would be satisfied with the situation.

Events of this “historical” day also sent their shock waves to Sindh where government making is experiencing the worst kind of tradeoff, to keep the PPP out of power.

As some of the aspirants for the top slot in Sindh did not take oath in the National Assembly, the heat of horse trading became more intense in the province.

There are rumours that a forward bloc within the Sindh PPP is in the offing. The PPP spokesman, Jamil Soomro, alleged that about 11 members of the provincial assembly were being forced to change their loyalties and join the so-called “Jam Group”.

Jam Saifullah Dharejo at whom the accusing fingers were pointed in some press reports strongly denied that he was contemplating such a move which he said was against morality and democratic dispensation. He said he was a committed PPP man and loyal to Benazir Bhutto’s policy. He claimed that the Establishment was trying to deny the PPP its right to form a government in Sindh which would be a grave injustice to the people of Sindh.

Suddenly the ball game has changed and chances of the PPP forming government are becoming slimmer, especially now that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement is looking towards the centre and the MMA has held its horses following critical statements of the PPP chairperson, Benazir Bhutto.

Now that Ghous Bux Mehar of the PML-Q has not taken oath in the National Assembly, it seems that the “King’s Party,” after enticing the PPP’s forward bloc at the centre, is now bracing for the top slot in Sindh. It would be another test of the PPP members’ loyalty. From the pro-government side, former chief minister Liaquat Jatoi is also a contender, but he has apparently not been able to muster support. Arbab Rahim and Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah are also being tipped for the top slot.

But the PPP can still entertain hopes for forming a government in the province if it can strike a deal with the MMA and some elements of the National Alliance. But analysts say that it would be walking tight rope and result of hard bargaining.

The heat will become intense after the National Assembly elects its speaker and deputy speaker, and if the schedule is announced, a prime minister. Until then everyone here is keeping quiet.