VEHARI, May 23: Differences have surfaced in the ranks of the ruling PML over by-election in city Union Council-3 scheduled to be held on May 28. Four candidates are contesting for the slots of UC-3 nazim and naib nazim. Vehari Tehsil Nazim Mian Saqib Khursheed is supporting Adil Sethi and Chaudhry Siddique for nazim and naib nazim slots, respectively. Ruling PML MPA Tahir Iqbal Chaudhry is backing Abdul Sattar Tahir and Chaudhry Sarfraz Jatt.

Both the ruling groups are reportedly using all available official resources to win the main city union council. The tehsil nazim is using TMA’s machinery, including vehicles, and has announced various development projects during the election campaign.

On the other hand, MPA Tahir Iqbal has also announced Rs0.4 million worth of uplift funds for the union council during canvassing in Masani Bagh areas.

The Vehari assistant election commissioner had finalised all arrangements to hold polls on May 28, an official told newsmen here on Wednesday.

The slots had fallen vacant after disqualification of naib nazim Abdul Sattar Tahir for bogus matriculation certificate. Later, Mr Tahir passed the examination and is now contesting for the seat.

PML-N MNA Tehmina Daultana is reportedly supporting the anti-tehsil nazim group — Abdul Sattar Tahir for nazim and Sarfraz Jatt for naib nazim slots. A tough contest is expected between the two groups.