Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP), the sectarian outfit banned twice by the government for terrorist activities, has decided to take part in the forthcoming municipal elections. The group was originally banned three years ago but reincarnated as Millat-e-Islamia Party. The MIP has also since been banned. If its decision materialises, this would be the first time it would be contesting municipal polls in Sindh. "Yes, we have decided in principle to contest local polls across Sindh," Qari Shafiqur Rehman, information secretary of the SSP Sindh, confirmed to TFT.SSP's main objective seems to be to eat into some constituencies presently under the control of Maulana Fazlur Rehman's Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam. The JUIF fares well in some districts of northern Sindh. Even though it has never won any seat from the areas in general elections, the municipal dynamics have worked to its advantage. The SSP has a bone to pick with the Mutahidda Majis-e-Amal, especially the JUIF, for keeping it out of the alliance. But within the MMA, it has an interest in linking up with Maulana Samiul Haq's JUI, which, for all the practical purposes, has deserted the MMA. Sources say the SSP is also contacting local leaders of PMLQ and PMLN. The strategy essentially banks on local rivalries, compulsions and political expediency. "The Samiul Haq group has approached us and offered their support to our candidates in the local elections," Qari Rehman claims.