GUJRAT, Sept 21: The PML-QA position seems weak on all the five provincial assembly seats in the Mandi Bahauddin district.

A tough fight is, however, expected between the PPP and PML-N in PP-116, PP-117, PP-118, PP-119 and PP-120.

The Mandi Bahauddin district has 65 union councils whose 70 per cent Nazimeen, Naibs and councillors are favouring PPP-backed candidates as district Nazim Nazar Gondal, tehsil Nazim Shahzad Anjum Pervaiz and Malakwal tehsil Nazim Nadeem Afzal Chan also belong to the PPP.

Phalia tehsil Nazim Shakil Gulzar is a close relative of the Chaudhrys of Gujrat who had defeated the PML-QA backed candidate as an independent. But after the denial of PML-QA ticket for PP-117 to his brother Waseem Gulzar, he has decided not to extend support to any candidate in this election.

For PP-116, the PPP has awarded ticket to ex-MPA and former senator Chaudhry Mohammad Aslam. The PML-N has fielded Safia Dewan who is the wife of former MPA Dewan Mushtaq Ahmad. The PML-QA has fielded Hameeda Waheeduddin who is the daughter of PPP Aslam’s, arch rival of Mian Waheeduddin, two-time MPA and thrice MC chairman of Mandi Bahauddin. The MMA has given its ticket to UC Nazim Rana Sarfraz Ahmad.

The element of biradarism will also play a vital role in determining the results for PP-116 which has a large population of Mohajirs, Gujjars, Gondals and Warraichs.

Former MPA Chaudhry Aslam, who seems to be in a better position, has been facing hurdles in launching his election campaign due to the alleged interference by Mandi Saddar police. The police has been claiming that he was summoned by the NAB in a corruption case.

However, a close relative of Aslam claimed that he had paid Rs860,000 to NAB authorities under plea bargain about two months ago.

Mandi Bahauddin SSP Salman Chaudhry told Dawn that NAB authorities had again summoned Mr Aslam. He, however, did not disclose details about the corruption case against him.

For PP-117 (Phalia), the PPP has pitched Asad Ali Ranjha who is a close relative of a former MPA, Tariq Tarar Raika.

Raikas arch rival ex-MPA Binyamin Rizvi, the son of ex-MPA Pir Yaqoob Shah, is out of the contest due to some personal reasons.

The PML-N has awarded ticket to lawyer Mirza Azam Baig who enjoys the support of former MNA Mumtaz Tarar whose nephew Zahid Fraz Tarar had withdrawn his papers in favour of Mr Baig.

The PML-QA nominee is its district president and former Mandi district council chairman Chaudhry Riaz Asghar Warraich. He is the son of ex-MPA Chaudhry Faiz Ahmad and brother-in-law of former interior minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain. The Ranjhas, the Warraichs and the Tarars are the main biradaris in this constituency.

Political circles believe that PML-QA candidate Riaz Asghar will not be in a winning position if Phalia tehsil Nazim Shakil Gulzar does not support him in elections. Shakil Gulzar is also a close relative of the Chaudhrys. Therefore, the real contest is expected between pro-PPP and pro-PML-N candidates. PPP’s Asad Ali Ranjha, who enjoys the support of the Ranjhas and the Tarars, seems to be in a better position.

For PP-118 (Barmusa, Miana Gondal), PPP’s Liaquat Ali, the runner-up of the last election, faces PML-N’s Sikandar Hayat Gondal, ex-UC Nazim, PML-QA’s Fazal Ikram Ranjha, the son of ex-MPA Fazal Ikram Ranjha, and Millat Party’s Usman Altaf Ranjha, the son of former MPA Altaf Ranjha.

The Ranjhas are the sons of the traditional arch rivals of this constituency. The Ranjhas, the Gondals and the Tarars are the main biradaris from here.

Political circles expect a tough contest among candidates of the PPP, PML-QA, PML-N and MP. However, some believe the real fight is expected between the PML-QA and MP candidates.

PP-119 (Malakwal) has been a stronghold of the Gondals of Pind Makko, whose are challenged by Bosaals and Poris. The PPP has awarded its ticket to Maj Ihsan Elahi (retired) of Pind Makko. He is the cousin of Malakwal tehsil Nazim Nadeem Afzal and nephew of former MPA Haji Afzal Chan.

The PML-N has fielded a weak candidate, Shafqat Mehmood Gondal, who is a newcomer. The PML-QA has given its ticket to Ghulam Hussain Bosaal who belongs to the second major political family of the area. He is the son of ex-MNA Nawaz Bosaal, nephew of ex-MNA Iqbal Bosaal and grandson of former legislative assembly member Manak Bosaal.

A tough contest between Ihsan Elahi and Ghulam Hussain Bosaal is expected from this seat. Political circles allege the entire Malakwal police are pressurizing the area voters to favour the PML-QA candidate.

The PP-120 (Kuthiala Sheikhan) is under the influence of the Mangats, the Sheikhs and the Gondals. The PML-QA has fielded Arif Gondal, the son of ex-MPA Ahmad Yar Gondal and nephew of ex-SP and former MPA Sultan Mehmood Gondal.

The PML-N has pitched Akram Gondal who is the cousin of Ahmad Yar Gondal and Sultan Mehmood Gondal. The PPP has awarded its ticket to Ahmad Fraz Mangat who has lost the provincial elections twice in the past.

Analysts believe the tussle between Arif Gondal and Akram Gondal, who belong to one family, will divide their votes which may be beneficial for the PPP candidate.