Minorities, Lok Bhalai back Bansal
A large number of minority leaders today supported the candidature of Pawan Kumar Bansal at a function organised at the local Congress Bhawan. A number of Muslim leaders present on the occasion said the diverse character and plurality of the nation could be safeguarded only by the Congress.

Meanwhile, the CTCC general secretary O.P. Verma and secretary Sandeep Singh have appealed to the student community to support Bansal. The local unit of Lok Bhalai party has decided to support the Congress candidate for the forthcoming elections, Pawan Kumar Bansal. This decision was taken following the order of party's national president, Balwant Singh Ramoowalia.

Christian body supports Cong
The United Indian Christian Welfare Association met here today and resolved to urge Christians in UT, Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh to support the Congress Party. The body appreciated the help received from Bhajan Lal during his chief ministership and appealed to all secular forces to favour him. The association expressed its dissatisfaction with the BJP government and described its 13-month rule at the Centre as disastrous for Christians.

Support for Sharma
Prajapati Sabha, Chandigarh, has decided to support the candidature of Krishan Lal Sharma for the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat. A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the Sabha, here yesterday. Meanwhile, the Citizens Welfare Society, Sector 23 also organised a function in support of K.L.Sharma and supported him.

BSP candidate starts campaign
The BSP candidate, Mata Ram Dhiman, today started his election campaign, and was joined by office-bearers Gurdev Singh, Sohan Lal, BSP vice-president, Joginder Singh, member, Sarva Hind Shiromani Akali Dal and many other party workers. During their campaign, they covered village Badheri, Palsora, Dadumajra, Dhanas and Khuda Ali Sher, Khuda Lahora. Dhiman addressed local issues.

Hans on campaign
New Congress party candidate Rampal Hans today campaigned in villages Dadu Majra and Mauli Jagran and told people that they should become aware of their rights. He laid emphasis on solution of the problem of unemployment and also talked about an independent status for the UT.

RJD strategy talks
Chandigarh state council members of the Rashtriya Janata Dal was held here to discuss the possibility of supporting other party candidates in the forthcoming polls. In the meet, state president V.S.T. Malik said that RJD's support will be significant as it has a hold over about four per cent of voters.