Significance of Altaf’s appearance

MQM founder Altaf Hussain on Friday silenced his critics by appearing and speaking for an hour through "vedio link" on MQM's 32nd Foundation Day. 

Earlier, critics made all kind of speculations about his health, some even declared him "clinically dead." It is significant for MQM to repair the dent caused by recent defections to its "vote bank" before NA-245 by-elections next month.  

Altaf and MQM problems are not over yet but the presence of thousands of charged supporters caused a few worries to the Establishment as the man facing serious inquiry into his alleged links with Indian RAW still have strong following among Muhajirs.

In the next few weeks the inquiry related to RAW's funding and armed training to MQM alleged militants would be completed. Its finding would determine the future of the party and its leader. But Friday's show raised questions about the actual dent caused by the party dissidents and its impact on MQM voters.

In the last two years of the operation Rangers’ sources claimed to have broken the backbone of its alleged militant wing and now they are looking into some of its leaders’ link with this wing. 

Therefore, it is very unlikely that MQM would get any major relief despite its popular base and in the coming days and weeks the party may face further problems.  For instance, a senior official of Rangers disclosed that a very senior party leader, who has recently left Pakistan, is wanted in the most devastating bomb blast on a religious procession. Similarly, another leader may be wanted for role in "RAW-sponsored killings." These are some of the challenges being faced by the MQM. 

There are worries for the Establishment too. The turnout of MQM workers and supporters on the Foundation Day in Karachi, Hyderabad and some other cities also reflects "reaction" from its votebank, something which was witnessed in NA-246 in April last year.

Altaf's physical appearance through "video link," during which he was also seen walking and in good health, not only silenced his critics but also brought a sigh of relief to his supporters, who applauded him with "Jeay Altaf" slogans. 

His speech was a combination of grievances, complaints and appeal as he proposed "National Reconciliation" on Muhajir factor. His appeal was direct to the Army Chief General Raheel Sharif and not to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

He used "Muhajir card" because he knew his strong constituency today got a challenger and that too from within i.e. Mustafa Kamal and Anis Qaimkhani, who will name their party on March 23rd.  

Friday's show at Jinnah Ground looked like the repeat of NA-246. Will MQM repeat the same in NA-245 by-election on April 7th?  MQM and Altaf's strength could be seen in the backdrop of unresolved Mohajir factor and party's organisational strength at the grassroots level, which had seen many ups and downs, but still looked quite intact though some sign of cracks in the party are quite visible. 

Altaf's show has made the job of M Kamal and Qaimkhani somewhat difficult for their planned public meeting at Bagah-e-Jinnah though they are still confident about the "big show."  The MQM and Altaf's critics in the last one month in particular had made all kind of speculations about his "health," something, which perhaps, should not have been made at least on media. 

It does not mean that Altaf Hussain has no medical issues. He is a patient of high blood pressure and diabetic too. One of his feet was affected last year and once deteriorated due to diabetes. "He has such issues which many people over 60 years old used to have," said one party leader. 

Another secret of his recovery was his 14-year old daughter Ifza Altaf. She has a lot of influence and role in his remarkable recovery. Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad once told this scribe before he became "stranger for MQM," that If a person before whom Altaf Bhai surrenders it is his daughter, who looked after his health as well as meal schedule."     

His appearance once again demonstrated the kind of control the man has on its followers despite one of the worst criticism of his politics, alleged militancy and links with Indian RAW. "If I had refused money in 1990 in Mehran Bank scam, why would I take money from RAW," he said in his address, which was emotional and listened in pin drop silence. 

The 32-year politics of MQM revolved around one man i.e. Altaf Hussain, with a slogan, "Manzil nahi, rehnama" or "hum nahi, hamarey baad, altaf, altaf." All those who had joined this party and remained attached with it for years know from the day one that it is all about one leader. 

In its organisational structure "individuals" hardly matter. Party's loyalty belongs to Altaf and "Muhajir identity." That is why even though it had converted its name from Muhajir to Muttahida and backed liberal philosophy, its three demands made on Friday reflect its constituency. (1) Lift the ban on Altaf Hussain's speeches and statements on media, (2) population census, and (3) more provinces or administrative units without demanding Karachi as separate province.  How the Establishment handles this situation is crucial for the future politics in urban Sindh.   

The writer is the senior columnist and analyst of Geo, The News and Jang.