PML-N, PPP make gains in Punjab

Initially, the PML-N went into the Presidential election to show that they have the requisite strength in the Punjab to sustain its government independent of PPP. The aim was to dispel the impression squarely that PPP could bring down its government in case bad blood creates between the two allies after the Presidential election or if the PPP pulls out of the provincial government. It was this mindset with which the PML-N entered the presidential foray, as the victory of Asif was too obvious from the day one when the PPP announced him as its candidate. This is also the reason why the PML-N pursued a very lackluster and low-key presidential campaign. One hardly saw Nawaz Sharif going out to muster up support in favour of his Presidential candidate during the whole campaign.

To man in the street the gains PML-N made in the provincial assembly are good enough. Some even believe that they are good enough to hold its government in the Punjab on its own without the support of the PPP.

But political circles are not impressed with the tally of 201 in the Punjab Assembly, which shows that it has in its fold only 15 members more than the simple majority required to run the government. They say the difference of 15 members is nothing or not too much to feel comfortable with. The political circles say that it is also not clear whether these 15 members or more who voted for PML-N Presidential candidate have gone to the PML-N for good, defecting from PML-Q or it is one-time cooperation to the extent of Presidential election.