SWABI, Feb 23: The families of the old Khudai Khidmatgars and district leaders of Awami National Party have complained that the party has ignored them after coming into power.

They alleged that their sacrifices were forgotten and they were kept away form the party affairs. “Some local leaders and families of Khudai Khidmatgars were forced to watch the situation silently when the party formed government in the province after 2008 elections,” they told Dawn.

Insiders said that those neglected workers and local leaders used all channels to convey their reservations to party but apathy of leadership compelled them to adopt the policy of wait and see.

“We had attached great expectations with our party. However, all our dreams were shattered and now we watch the entire scenario like spectators,” said one of them.

Advocate Mohammad Rashid remained district information secretary of ANP for 12 consecutive years. During the 2008 elections, he was enjoying a distinguished position in the party. Begum Nasim Wali Kahn and Azam Hoti lauded his contributions on a number of occasions.

“I appreciate district information secretary, who really work hard to strengthen ANP in Swabi,” once Mr Hoti said during a meeting.

According to party sources, Mr Rashid has been ignored completely now. He was kept away even form the membership drive, they said. He was not invited to the meeting wherein district office-bearers were elected, they added.

Bakhtiar Khan, the son of famous Khudai Khidmatgar Khaista Mir, said that his father remained in jail for nearly a decade during British rule. He said that Khaista Mir Girls College Rustam in Mardan was constructed and named after his father. “But we are no longer wanted as ANP workers,” he said.

Mr Khan said that he presented pictures and letters of his father to Azam Hoti and other party leaders but they ignored his contributions.

Fazal Manan, another eminent leader of ANP, has also been ignored by the leadership. Insiders said that he exhausted all his energies to play an active role in politics but he was ignored by the party heavyweights.

“He is no longer active in politics. He is focusing on his business,” they said.

Aman Khan Kaka, who sold his property and agricultural land for the sake of party, was expelled from the party. He remained silent after his expulsion from the party.

“I am a soldier of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and want to die with the same spirit,” he used to say. However, about six months ago when a number of ANP district leaders revolted against the party and leadership failed to resolve their differences, Khan Kaka was brought back to the party.

“Once again, the ANP leadership felt need of his help. The leaders came to know that expelling him from the party was a mistake. However, he is still kept at bay,” said an insider.