MPA Poonjo Bheel quits MQM for PPP

Karachi

In the wake of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leaders switching their loyalties to the Mustafa Kamal-led Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP), an MQM lawmaker and a member of the Sindh Assembly on a reserved seat for minorities, Poonjo Mal Bheel, also parted ways with the party and joined the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Announcing his resignation at a press conference held at PPP’s media cell on Thursday, the MPA thanked the MQM for nominating him twice for the Sindh Assembly’s membership but lamented that he could not serve his religious community dwelling in the province due to MQM’s urban-centric politics.

Lawmakers of the PPP, especially coming from Mirpurkhas Division and adjoining areas, where members of the Hindu community are present in a large number, also attended the press conference.

He, however, said it was heart-wrenching for him when MQM chief Altaf Hussain and Muttahida leadership talked about the division of the province of Sindh.

Bheel said he had always raised his voice for poor people as an MPQ, and added that his community had always given preference to the cause of Pakistan.

The dissident leader said he had decided to join the PPP after getting impressed by the political agenda of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.