DHARAMSHALA: The foundation laying ceremony of a 20-crore bus terminal in Dharamsala on Sunday saw urban development minister Sudhir Sharma and transport minister G S Bali come together, giving hope of improving Congress prospects in Kangra district. Bali is known for his love-hate relationship with chief minister Virbhadra Singh while Sudhir is among the chief minister's loyalists.For quite some time there had been talks of their political rivalry, but putting all speculations to rest they not only enjoyed the lunch together but later also discussed the political scenario of Kangra for around one hour while sipping the traditional Kangra tea. With assembly elections approaching, this new found bonhomie may be a big boost for the Congress in Kangra district comprising 15 assembly seats.Recently, their rifts were out in public during a party rally, which was addressed by party's vice-president Rahul Gandhi in Dharamshala. But now this development has elated their supporters and Congress workers. According to sources, the BJP was trying to take mileage from the rift of these two leaders but with their teaming up before the polls, political atmosphere appears to have changed in the district that plays a crucial role in the formation of any state government.The bus terminal will be four storeyed and have central air-conditioning facility, lounges, meeting area for people, commercial complex, a 15-room hotel. Bali represents Nagrota Bagwan assembly constituency while Sudhir represents Dharamshala assembly constituency. Both represent Brahmin community in the state.When asked about extending an olive branch to each other before polls, Bali said that he had never said anything against Sudhir and it was just media hype. "I was there to lay the foundation stone and Sudhir had invited me for lunch," he maintained. Sudhir on his part said that he and Bali had old family relations. "It is not politics through which we know each other. Earlier too, when Bali was not in mainstream politics we had family relations. This was a fixed programme and we hosted lunch for him as he was in our constituency," he said.

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