Youthful contender’s fast-rising popularity rattles seasoned politician

A SEASONED POLITICIAN is allegedly said to be quietly working the phones, prevailing upon local elders to ‘advise’ a younger, deep-pocketed aspirant from the same area to stay off the governor's race. The move, insiders say, is driven by growing panic that the youthful contender’s overflowing war chest and fast-rising popularity could dim the veteran’s chances. Ironically, the more the elders are dispatched, the more the younger politician is emerging as the man to beat.

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WHAT DID A second-term MP, drunk on whispered proximity to power, do to a powerful daughter? Insiders say he allegedly mistook access for immunity and confidence for consent. He supposedly sidelined her circle and allowed familiar ‘disrespect’ to creep in. The quarrel has since pulled in family elders, who reportedly drew a red line — respect the name or face the consequences. Small wonder she later lamented “fake friends”; power, after all, is the ultimate lie detector.

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CRACKS WITHIN A prominent political family appear far from over, with fresh signs of strain emerging behind the scenes. Moles whisper that a senior family member has been seemingly a consistent no-show at several crucial functions, fuelling speculation of deepening rifts. While sections of the family routinely move his apologies and downplay the absences, those in the know insist the politico is allegedly never invited and in most cases caught unaware. The repeated ‘snubs’ have not gone unnoticed in political circles.

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IT APPEARS A powerful political entity is under siege from a group of sitting lawmakers who are quietly piling pressure on top party leadership to guarantee them direct tickets in the next polls. The deal on the table? Full support for senior officials currently under siege from rival factions within the party. Sources say the scheme was first floated during a meeting in Karen, where it was laughed off as wishful thinking. But the joke didn’t die. The alleged masterminds are now planning a second, more serious sit-down—this time insisting the party leader must personally attend and give clear assurances. Insiders hint the masterminds insist on assurance to continue with protecting the leadership.

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