SWABI, Aug 17: The rift in local chapter of Pakistan People’s Party has worried its activists in the district from where the party could not win a single seat of either National or provincial assembly since its formation, according to sources.

They said that tug-of-war between district president Haji Manfat Khan and general secretary Maj (retired) Fida Hussain had been continued for the last three years.

The rivalry has divided the party workers into three groups. One of the groups backs Mr Hussain, the other supports Mr Khan but most of the workers are frustrated by the continued blame game between the two local leaders and don’t side with anyone.

The party leaders have brokered four accords between them so far but they have failed to bring desired results.

Dedicated activists of PPP said that they did not know to tackle the issue. They also criticised PPP provincial president Syed Zahir Ali Shah and other leaders for their failure to resolve differences in the district chapter of the party.

“Our dilemma is that we can neither say something nor remain silence. The party position has weakened extremely. This position of our party when we are in e government what will happen if we sit on opposition benches,” they asked.

They said that district leaders of the party committed blunders and provincial leadership did not take a single step to resolve the issue.

Mr Khan, when contacted, claimed that he could run party affairs as he had been PPP district president for the last 22 years. On the other hand, Mr Hussain claimed that he was acting president of the party in the district.

“It was my blunder to support him (Mr Hussain) for the slot of general secretary. I provided him a ladder to climb on and now he is hatching conspiracies against me. He is the party general secretary and must remain in his limits,” Mr Khan said.

He said that PPP workers did not accept him and he would be kicked out from the party. He alleged that Mr Hussain harmed the party and used its platform for his own benefits.

“I was told by the provincial leadership to work as acting president and general secretary. I have been fulfilling my duties and obligations honestly,” said Mr Hussain, when contacted.

He said that dictatorial period of Mr Khan was over. His 22-year tenure was full of frustration and weakening of the party, he said.

“Now he (Mr Khan) is serious ill. When party leadership felt that he could not work it issued a notification in which I was declared as acting president,” he added.

Supporters of Mr Khan said that before Ramazan a meeting of party was held at Peshawar wherein he was invited as president and Mr Hussain as general secretary.

The provincial leadership had not yet made any decision about acting president and the claim of Mr Hussain was not correct. However, Mr Hussain said that even the meeting did not take place.

“Let us wait for the provincial leaders to wake up from their hibernation and play a role,” said a worker.