MP Cong assures support for Pratibha

Bhopal, June 23 (UNI) Leader of the Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Jamuna Devi has claimed that most of the state's non-BJP parties would support UPA candidate Pratibha Patil in the presidential poll.

''Ms Devi discussed the election with Congress President Sonia Gandhi at New Delhi today and assured her of such support.

Expressing her gratitude to Ms Gandhi for fielding Ms Patil, Ms Devi said that the decision would enhance respect for women,'' a release from her office said.

Expressing concern over a ''spurt'' in eviction of tribals in this state, Ms Devi urged Ms Gandhi's intervention.

''I request you to speedily have Government orders issued whereby tribals occupying forest land from a date before December 13, 2005 will not be evicted,'' Ms Devi added.

UNI