LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Wednesday unveiled Rana Muhammad Saleem as its contestant for the PP-206 Khanewal IV by-poll.
The party ticket was awarded by Senior PML-N Leader Rana Sanaullah.
The PP-206 seat fell vacant after the death of MPA Nishat Khan Daha, who breathed last on October 23. The Election Commission of Pakistan has set December 16 as the date for the by-poll.
In the 2018 General Elections, Daha had secured the seat with 51,353 votes followed by Saleem, who contested the polls from PTI’s platform, with 47,807. While PPP’s Mir Syed Wasiq Sarjees Haider stood third with 6,617 votes.
However, Daha’s relationship with his party strained after he became part of the disgruntled lawmakers’ group led by Jalol Sharaqpuri. The group had demanded PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif to end his involvement in the party after his controversial remarks.
Daha had also said that PML-N is no more a symbol of the federation but just a faction ruled by Nawaz Sharif.
More than 20 candidates to contest by-election
At least 21 candidates are vying for the vacant Punjab Assembly seat.
Among those who have submitted their nomination papers include Dahas widow Naureen Nishat, Rana Haseeb Saleem, Rana Waseem Hanif, Masood Majeed Daha, Waqar Khan Daha, Manzoor Sultani, Muhammad Akmal, Imran Parvazi Dhol, Ghulam Ghaus, Sara Khan Daha, Mir Wasiq, Rana Farman, Rana Irfan, Rana Abdul Rahman, Muhammad Imran, Col retired Abid Khaga, Muhammad Tanveer, Muhammad Suleman and Muhammad Amjad.
Interestingly, Daha’s wife Naureen has jumped ship and will contest the elections from PTI, while Saleem has joined the PML-N’s ranks.
Neck and neck contest expected
According to political pundits, a neck and neck contest is expected in the constituency and believe that Daha’s widow may get sympathy votes.
However, many see Pakistan Peoples Party’s Mir Wasiq as a dark horse in the race due to his candid speaking, clean credentials and down-to-earth demeanour. They believe that these qualities have not only earned him respect not just in his party but among his opponents and different castes of the constituency as well.
Although Wasiq is a new entrant in mainstream politics, he could surprise everyone with a win as his family is seen among a family of martyrs by the people of Khanewal. His father and elder brother were martyred by banned militant outfits and has remained loyal to the PPP through thick and thin.
However, they haven’t ruled out PML-N’s Saleem as it is the third time he’s throwing his hat in the ring and enjoys the good support of different castes of the constituency.
Ghulam Ghias, one of the voters of the constituency, told Bol News that the sympathy votes will be with Nishat Daha’s widow and agrees with pundits that it would be a tough fight between PML-N and PPP.
