New Delhi: With the Congress-led UPA reaching quite close to the magic figure, the number game now means the Congress doesn't even need old allies like RJD supremo Lalu Prasad or Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh.
Though the Samajwadi Party is lining up with its support, some sections in Congress have opposed this proposal. Even Lalu Prasad could be left out in the cold.
"We will work in the interest of the nation. However, at what level we support the Congress and the form of support will depend on the Congress," said SP general secretary Amar Singh.
It was a different Amar Singh in front of the cameras on Sunday with his usual swagger missing. After all, now the Congress is calling the shots.
In the evening Amar Singh and Mulayam met the PM. But the Congress virtually ruled out taking the SP into the government. An uneasy relationship and their long term goal in UP makes them prefer independents and smaller parties instead. But how do the numbers add up?
Congress sources say they have the support of 272 MPs and that the letters of support will be ready by Tuesday. They also say they have the support of JD(S) and at least two independents.
The other dilemma is Lalu Yadav. Sonia Gandhi appears to be reaching out to him but the big question at the moment is whether the Congress will take him back into the government.
"Who will stay in the government and who will not, that will be decided by the Congress," said Congress leader Rajiv Shukla.
"We will talk to our pre-poll allies before deciding on future course of action," Congress spokesperson Janardhan Dwivedi said. However, the party is clear that it is willing to accommodate pre poll allies like the DMK and Trinamool Congress.