BADIN: Continuing the war of words against the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf in the run-up to the local government elections on November 19, PPP scion Bilawal Bhutto Zardari attracted a considerable crowd at a Badin rally today.

Addressing the PTI chairman, who had earlier criticised the young leader for being 'immature', Bilawal asked, "Imran Uncle, has any one ever taught a fish how to swim?"

PTI chief Imran Khan had earlier hit out at Bilawal's political inexperience, referring to the PPP chairman as 'baby' Bilawal and saying he should become his student to learn politics as he has yet to qualify for it.

In response, Bilawal House sent the PTI chief some a message about 'what a good age to retire was', hinting that Imran Khan 'was past his time in politics'.

Read editorial: PPP’s new ‘uncle’

Bilawal, who was standing atop the same specially-constructed vehicle which his mother and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto had used on her arrival in Karachi on October 18 2007, appealed to the resident of Badin to caste their votes in favour of PPP during the upcoming Local Government polls.

In his speech the PPP chairman said he would continue to stand with the people of Badin, who had always stood with his slain mother Ms Benazir Bhutto and now with him.

"My uncles have deceived me and my party, those who called my mother their sister have now have left me and met with Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim and PML-N leaders to conspire against the PPP."

He asked his supporters to vote for the 'arrow' to ensure the defeat of PML-N, the Mirzas and Arbab Group.

Earlier, the Chairman of Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto arrived in Golarchi town of Badin in a private helicopter to lead the rally from Golarchi town to Badin to convass for the candidates fielded by his party in the district.

On his arrival, Bilawal was accorded a warm welcome by party supporters and party leaders including the members of Sindh cabinet and large number of law makers.

He was accompanied by Sindh Minister for Education Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, Dr Sikander Mehndro, Member of National Assembly Sardar Kamal Khan Chang, Senator Dr Karim Khwaja and other PPP leaders.

People from various areas of Badin and other neighbouring districts arrived in Badin and Golarchi to welcome the PPP Chairman.

Political analysts talking to DawnNews mentioned that Bilawal's show of strength follows the open challenge from former Sindh home minister Dr. Zulfikar Mirza and his family. The analysts also predict that the Mirza family will give the PPP stiff competition in the district, which has traditionally been a stronghold of PPP.

Also read: Political temperature up ahead of Bilawal’s visit to Badin

In Badin tough contests are expected on 68 UCs, nine towns committees and two municipal committees, including Badin and Matli town between candidates of PPP and Dr. Mirza and his allies including PML-F, PML-N, JUI-F and Arbab Group headed by former chief minister Dr. Arbab Ghulam Rahim.

Dr. Mirza talking to the local media had welcomed Bilawal said his fight was with Asif Ali Zardari.

During the rally of PPP Chairman, PPP MNA, Dr. Fehmida Mirza and son and MPA Barrister Hasnain Mirza were not present.

While, Dr. Mirza has also announced to take out the huge rally in Badin city to show his power.

Strict security measures have been made in Badin and other towns of the district including Tando Bago, Pangrio, Golarchi and other towns due to the tense political situation.

The second phase of local government elections is scheduled for Nov 19 in 12 districts of Punjab and 15 districts of Sindh.

The districts of Sindh are: Matiari, Tando Allahyar, Tando Mohammad Khan, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Hyderabad, Dadu, Jamshoro, Shaheed Benazirabad, Naushehro Feroze, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot and Tharparkar.

The districts of Punjab where LG elections are to be held are: Khanewal, Sahi­wal, Toba Tek Singh, Chin­iot, Sargodha, Mianwali, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahau­ddin, Attock and Jhelum.