LAHORE, April 7 The PML-N on Tuesday stamped its authority on the PML-Q forward bloc when it got Dr Tahir Ali Javed elected parliamentary leader of the bloc, sidelining 'high-profile' Atta Muhammad Maneka.

Sensing his defeat, a disgruntled Maneka withdrew from the race and let Dr Tahir, a former provincial health minister, win. According to party insiders, Mr Maneka has been promised senior ministry in case the PPP sits in the opposition.

“A strong group within the PML-N, led by Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khosa, has been opposed to Atta Maneka's being given charge of the bloc,” says a party insider. Mr Maneka, being a tough bargainer and having strong political roots, has been problem for some senior party leaders.

As opposed to Mr Maneka, the source said, Tahir Ali Javed had been instrumental in luring many deserters to the Nawaz league, especially the Cheemas from Sargodha. He added “He brought another MNA, Riaz Mela, on Tuesday to the party folds and has been doing it quietly. His calm and composed manners won him many friends in the party. But the most instrumental reason was him being a political non-entity, who would not be able to cause any problem to the party especially if the PPP decides to join the provincial government and the forward bloc would have to be kept out of the cabinet.

“The party senses that even if the PPP does not join the cabinet, most of the forward bloc members would not be accommodated which may cause desertions backwards. In that case, a high-profile and media savvy Maneka could cause trouble for the party.”

Mr Javed had so far proven to be the most pliant ally of the PML-N for taking instruction quietly and spiritedly executing them. That's why the party felt more secure with him rather than anyone else. It could be termed a win-win situation for both of them, he said.

The amalgamation of the forward bloc would not be a smooth ride for the PML-N, according to another leader of the PML-N. Some members of the bloc had “unresolved issues with the banks” which could also prove a political embarrassment for the party, he said. In that scenario, a person like Atta Maneka could be an added problem, he said.