M U Z A F F A R G A R H : Electioneering for PP-272 and 73 is in full swing for July 17 by-polls in which the ruling PML-N and the PTI are the main contenders.

The PML-N has fielded Syeda Zehra Basit Bulchari, wife of MNA Syed Basit Sultan Bukhari, and PTI reposes trust in Sardar Moazzam Khan Jatoi in PP-272. Interestingly, Bukhari`s brother-in-law Syed Haroon Sultan Bukhari is in the run as an independent candidate.

MNA Bukhari is holding corner meetings for his wife.

A tough contest is expected among the contenders. Former MPA Sardar Chunnu Khan Leghari has withdrawn his candidature in favour of Moazzam Khan Jatoi.

Another independent candidate, Dr Zareena Kausar, is contesting the election for the first time and she is trying to convince the constit-uents to vote for her. The Tehreeke-Labbaik Pakistan has fielded Muhammad Ibrahim who is also actively canvassing.

At a press conference, Jatoi alleged that MNA Bukhari had used his influence to have water theft cases registered against his supporters. He urged the judiciary to take notice of the intimidatory tactics.

Meanwhile, the supporters of Bul(hari family seem to be divided and Jatoi may be able to cash in on the situation. Chunnu Khan Leghari said PTI chairman Imran Khan requested him during a meeting at his Bani Gala residence to support Jatoi.

Some people respect MNA Bukhari for being a man of commitment who works to ensure development projects for the people. He claimed that he left the PTI only because it ignored the schemes he proposed.

Bukhari won the NA seat in the 2018 general election as an independent candidate while Haroon Bulchari contested election on thePML-N ticket.

Dr Zareena Kausar is also expected to make her presence felt as she is the first woman in Jatoi tehsil to have ventured into politics and is the wife of an additional district and sessions judge.

In PP-273, Syed Sibtain Bukhari of the PML-N is considered a strong candidate having support of the Gopang and Syed families. Sardar Amir Talal Gopang, an MNA, is burning the midnight oil to ensure his success. PTI candidate Yasir Jatoi, who enjoys the support of Sardar Qayyum Khan Jatoi and Syed Qaim Ali Shamsi, is likely to give a tough time to Bukhari.

Moazzam Khan Jatoi told Dawn that Imran Khan would reach out to the public on July 11.

UNIT SEALED: An illegal unit manufacturing spurious fertilizer was sealed by the district administration after an official team seized 500 sacks and arrested an accused in Mouza Samurana.