DERA GHAZI KHAN: The absence of PTI`s Nasrulla Dreshak, his sons and Mohsin Leghari in the electioneering for Feb 8 elections is apparently a great disadvantage for the Meena Jaafar Leghari-Dreshak group, which is arch rival of the Leghari group led by the PML-N provincial secretary general, Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari.

Earlier, in a by-election this group had played a pivotal role in the success of the PTI candidate, Mohsin Leghari, in NA-193 (presently NA-187), where son of Awais Leghari`s son AmarKhan Leghari was contesting on the PML-N ticket.

The senior PTI parliamentarian Nasrulla Dreshak did not file nomination papers for any seat, while the candidature of his two sons -Hasnain Bahadar Dreshak and Ali Raza Dreshak -had been rejected from almost all constituencies in the district. Mohsin Leghari is not taking part in the Feb 8 election.

Observers of local politics say that their absence has adversely impacted the electioneering of all PTI-backed independent candidates contesting for three National Assembly and six provincial seats in Rajanpur.According to them, PML-N`s candidates seems to be on better footing in in Rajanpur district as compared to other political parties` aspirants.

They are of the view that the absence of Nasrullah Dreshak and his sons has made the contest easier for the PML-N in PP-292, where its candidate Sher Afgan Gorchani has an advantage over his rivals.

In PP-293, Sher Ali Gorchani of the PML-N, Shazia Abid of the PPP, and independent Shehzad Humayoin, backed by Meena Jaafar-Dreshak group, will compete.

In PP-294, the main contestants include Dr Irfan Ullah of the Jamaat-i-Isalmi, Parwaiz Gorchani of the PML-N, and independent Atif Dreshak, who is supported by the Meena Jaafar-Dreshak group.

In PP-295, Abdul Aziz Dreshak of the PML-N, Farooq Aman Dreshak backed by the PTI, and Yousif Gabol of the PPP are contesting, while in PP-296, a tough contest is expected between Yousif Dreshak of the PML-N and independent candidate Awais Dreshak.

Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Dost Muhammad Mazari, who has been fielded by the PML-N,is being considered a strong candidate in PP-297.

However, local observers suggest thatindepend-ent candidates could make a difference with the support of young voters.

Meanwhile, in NA-187, PML-N`s Amar Leghari and PPP`s Athar Hassan Gorchani are prominent candidates, while Atif Dreshak and Awais Dreshak are competing independently. In NA-188, Hafeezu Rehman Dreshak of the PML-N is said to be in a better position against the PTI-backed Ahmed Ali Dreshak.

In NA-189, PML-N`s Riyaz Mazari seems to have an edge over the PTIaffiliated Shamsher Mazari.

In the the overall campaign, PML-N seems to have a stronger position, they say.