Shimla, May 21 -- Former MP Pratibha Singh on Wednesday expressed gratitude to the people of state for the Congress party's strong performance in the recent urban local body elections. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Pratibha said the Congress contests elections on the plank of development, while the BJP attempts to secure votes by "playing with people's emotions". She said, "The BJP indulges in politics based on regionalism and religion. The results of the urban local bodies have made it clear that public opinion in the state is in favour of the Congress." She called upon party leaders and workers to remain united and ensure the victory of Congress-backed candidates in the gram panchayat elections. htc...