RAHIM YAR KHAN: The Rajput biradri of the district is now divided into two groups after former Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) ticket-holder for PP-293, Rana Masood Majeed Khan, announced his support for PML-N in NA-179, PP-262 and PP-263 two days ago, while another group led by an elder of the clan announced his support for PTI.

Rana Talat Mehmood invited hundreds of members of the clan at his residence on Saturday night and announced his support for PTI candidates in the abovementioned constituencies.

Masood, a British national, established the ‘Jamhoori Rajput Federation’ -- a socio-political party -- 12 years ago from his hometown of Ahmedpur Lama near Sadiqabad. He aimed at uniting the scattered Rajput personalities in the district to play a significant role in elections. He ran the party successfully for three years, but when he supported a Pakistan Muslim League candidate in 2008 elections, the group lost its steam.

Later, Masood joined the PTI in 2011 and after surrendering his British nationality contested the 2013 elections from PP-262. This time, he was expecting a PTI ticket from the same constituency, but the party awarded it to Asif Majeed.

On the other hand, Rana Talat organised a gathering of Rajput members on Saturday night all of whom unanimously announced their support for PTI candidates for NA-179, PP-262 and PP-263. He claimed Rajput biradri was the third largest in the district in terms of population and most of them would vote for PTI candidates.

Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2018